‘Clickable’ polymeric coatings: from antibacterial surfaces to interfaces with cellular and biomolecular affinity

Functional polymeric coatings have become indispensable in various biomedical devices since they provide tailored interfaces with desirable properties that enable such applications. For finding an optimal system with the best performance, adopting a modular approach to interface engineering is essential for practical applications. Efficient functionalization of interfaces with specific (bio)molecules, probes, and bioactive ligands endows these interfaces with desirable properties such as biological sensing, adhesion, wettability, and anti-biofouling. In this context, ‘click’ reactions, including copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), strain-promoted azide–alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC), nucleophilic and radical thiol–ene, and Diels–Alder (DA) reactions, emerge as pivotal methods for effective modification of polymer-coated surfaces. This review provides an in-depth overview of utilizing ‘clickable’ group-containing polymeric coatings to create functional interfaces for biomedical applications, with a particular emphasis on antimicrobial surfaces and interfaces conducive to cellular and biomolecular immobilizations. Leveraging the versatility and modularity of surface modifications via ‘click’ chemistry, this review aims to inspire researchers to explore this promising approach for engineering functional polymeric interfaces.