Patent ID: 8496997

Claim:
A process for the preparation of a cross-linked multilayer macromolecular film including the steps of: (a) contacting a substrate having a surface and a plurality of initiating moieties on the surface with a macromolecule composition including a macromolecule having a plurality of polymerisable functional groups capable of reacting with the plurality of initiating moieties on the surface of the substrate; (b) reacting the initiating moieties with the polymerisable functional groups of the macromolecule to form a plurality of cross-links between the surface of the substrate and the macromolecule to covalently attach a layer of the macromolecule to the surface and regeneration of a plurality of initiating moieties on an outer surface of the macromolecule layer; (c) contacting the plurality of initiating moieties on the surface of the macromolecule layer with a further macromolecule in the macromolecule composition, the further macromolecule having a plurality of polymerisable functional groups capable of reacting with the plurality of initiating moieties on the surface of the macromolecule layer; and (d) reacting the initiating moieties on the surface of the macromolecule layer with the polymerisable functional groups of the further macromolecule to form a plurality of crosslinks between the surface of the macromolecule layer and the further macromolecule to covalently attach a subsequent layer of the macromolecule to the surface and regeneration of a plurality of initiating moieties on an outer surface of the subsequently attached macromolecule layer, wherein each initiating moiety is adapted to initiate a controlled polymerization reaction; and wherein steps (a), (b), (c) and (d) are carried out concurrently in a single reaction vessel.