Silica particles coated with zwitterionic polymer brush: Formation of colloidal crystals and anti-biofouling properties in aqueous medium

▶ Zwitterionic polymer brush-coated silica particle prepared by surface-initiated ATRP. ▶ A clear iridescence after simple ultrafiltration. ▶ High resistance against the non-specific adsorption of proteins. ▶ Stability against freeze-thaw cycles. ▶ Usefulness as both a carrier for diagnosis and a colloidal crystal in aqueous medium.