Abstract
Superhydrophobic surfaces with micro/nanostructures are widely used to prevent nonspecific adsorption of commercial polymeric and/or biological materials. Herein, a self healing superhydrophobic and highly protein-repellent fluoropolymer brush was grafted onto nanostructured silicon by surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Both the superhydrophobicity and antifouling properties (as indicated for isolated protein solutions and for 10% blood plasma) are well repaired upon serious chemical degradation (by e.g. air plasma). This brush still maintains excellent superhydrophobicity and good antifouling properties even after 5 damage-repair cycles, which opens a new door to fabricate long-term antifouling coatings on various substrates that can be used in harsh environments.