How hydrophobicity and polymer architecture imacts the ability of star polymers to anchor to mammalian cell membranes

Engineering the cell surface with synthetic polymers offers a transformative strategy to control cell behaviour without altering genetic material, with broad applications in drug delivery, regenerative medicine, and diagnostics. Achieving stable yet reversible polymer attachment to the lipid membrane without compromising cellular function remains a key challenge. We focus on the development of star-shaped polymers that self-assemble into reversible, mesh-like networks at the cell surface via precisely tuned physicochemical interactions. Understanding polymer-lipid bilayer interactions is critical for optimising design and ensuring biocompatibility. While we have previously developed antimicrobial polymers that bind to and disrupt lipid bilayers, our current aim is to adsorb polymers onto mammalian membranes without compromising their integrity We have developed a series of linear and 4-arm star block copolymers which hydrophobic blocks to anchor into lipid bilayers. However, the roles of hydrophobic monomer incorporation and polymer architecture in governing the behaviour at the membrane remains poorly understood. We propose to use Neutron Reflectometry to systematically investigate how lipid anchor composition and polymer design influence membrane binding and penetration. These insights will inform the rational design of programmable, biocompatible polymers for reversible cell surface engineering, enabling precise therapeutic interventions at the cellular interface.