Improving protein resistance of α-Al2O3 membranes by modification with POEGMA brushes

► α-Al2O3 membrane was modified with POEGMA brushes to improve its protein resistance. ► The success of the modification was indicated by dynamic contact-angle measurements. ► POEGMA brushes resisted protein adsorption by restoring the compressed polymer chains. ► Protein deposition on POEGMA brushes layer was easier to remove.