The present disclosure provides a bifunctional linker for coupling at least one functional moiety, preferably a bis-allyl propionic acid (BAPA), to a polymer-containing matrix. Also disclosed by the present disclosure are anhydrides of the bifunctional linker, processes for preparing the bifunctional linker and such anhydride, as well as surfaces, such as cellulose containing matrices, coupled with the bifunctional linker, at times, the latter carrying a functional agent.