In this communication we describe a new and an extraordinarily simple technique for modifying surfaces of solid organic polymers.2 Our method involves the polymerization of suitable lipid molecules adsorbed at aqueous-insoluble polymer phase boundaries. Resulting surfaces are termed polymer-supported membranes.Surface structure and composition play a significant role in defining many of the physical properties and ultimate uses of polymers. In particular, features such as wetting,3 weathering,4 adhesion,5 dye adsorption,5 friction,5 electrostatic charging,6 permeation,7 and biocompatibility,8'9 which are important for engineering and biotechnological applications, are largely influenced by surface characteristics. Despite this fact, current methods available for modifying polymer surfaces in a well-defined manner remain limited.2We have conceived of a new synthetic technique for altering polymer surfaces. Our general approach is outlined in Scheme I.10 A lipid molecule composed of a
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