Terminal-end functionalization of chondroitin sulfate for the synthesis of biomimetic proteoglycans

► In this study we identify chondroitin sulfate (CS) with a terminal primary amine. ► A vinyl monomer was conjugated to the CS terminal amine without side reactions. ► CS was immobilized by its terminal amine to epoxy-functionalized surfaces. ► Proteoglycan mimetics may be synthesized from the amine and vinyl terminated CS.