Modification of polystyrene surface in aqueous solutions

► Fast surface modification of polystyrene (PS) is possible under ambient conditions with phosphate buffered saline. ► The modification results from photo-oxidation/reduction, swelling, conformational changes and re-arrangement of PS chain. ► The modification can be controlled by pre-adsorption of bovine serum albumin or thermal annealing of PS. ► The process is facilitated by phosphate ions and suitable ionic strength.