Herein we developed a new approach of creating topologically and well-defined patterned polymeric surfaces via the "grafting to" approach. This was accomplished by either using colloidally templated "clickable" arrays, whereby the chemistry was performed directly onto the pattern or by subsequent backfilling with azido terminated SAM's. Similarly, direct grafting of electroactive temperature responsive oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylic polymers to colloidally templated surfaces allowed for tunable ion gate formation. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.