Adsorption of poly(ethylene oxide)-block-polylactide copolymers on polylactide as studied by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy

In this study, the adsorption of amphiphilic poly(ethylene oxide)-block-polylactide (mPEO-PLA) copolymers from a selective solvent onto a polylactide surface was studied as a method of polylactide surface modification and its effect on nonspecific protein adsorption was evaluated. A series of well defined mPEO-PLA copolymers was prepared to investigate the effect of copolymer composition on the resulting PEO chain density and on the surface resistance to protein adsorption. The copolymers contained PEO blocks with molecular weights ranging between 5600 and 23,800 and with 16-47 wt% of PLA. The adsorption of both the copolymers and bovine serum albumin was quantified by attenuated total reflection FTIR spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). In addition to the adsorbed copolymer amount, its actual composition was determined. The PEO chain density on the surface was found to decrease with the molecular weight of the PEO block and to increase with the molecular weight of the PLA block. The adsorbed copolymers displayed the ability to reduce protein adsorption. The maximum reduction within the tested series (by 80%) was achieved with the copolymer containing PEO of MW 5600 and a PLA block of the same MW.     

Miscibility of polysulfone blends with poly(1‐vinylpyrrolidone‐co‐styrene) copolymers and their interaction energies

The miscibility of polysulfone (PSf) with various hydrophilic copolymers was explored. Among these blends, PSf gave homogeneous mixtures with poly(1‐vinylpyrrolidone‐co‐styrene) [P(VP–S)] copolymers when these copolymers contained 68–88 wt % 1‐vinylpyrrolidone (VP). Miscible PSf blends with P(VP–S) copolymers underwent phase separation on heating caused by lower critical solution temperature (LCST)‐type phase behavior. The phase behavior depended on the copolymer composition. Changes in the VP content of P(VP–S) copolymers from 65 to 68 wt % shifted the phase behavior from immiscibility to miscibility and the LCST behavior. The phase‐separation temperatures of the miscible blends first increased gradually with the VP content, then went through a broad maximum centered at about 80 wt % VP, and finally decreased just before the limiting content of VP for miscibility with PSf. The interaction energies of binary pairs involved in PSf/P(VP–S) blends were evaluated from the phase‐separation temperatures of PSf/P(VP–S) blends with lattice‐fluid theory combined with a binary interaction model. The decrease in the contact angle between water and the membrane surface with increasing VP content in P(VP–S) copolymers indicated that the hydrophobic properties of PSf could be improved via blending with hydrophilic P(VP–S) copolymers. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1401–1411, 2003     

Adsorption of poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(epsilon-caprolactone) copolymers at the silica-water interface

The adsorption of amphiphilic poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(gamma-methyl-epsilon-caprolactone) copolymers in aqueous solution on silica and glass surfaces has been investigated by flow microcalorimetry, small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), surface forces, and complementary techniques. The studied copolymers consist of a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) block of M(n) = 5000 and a hydrophobic polyester block of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) or poly(gamma-methyl-epsilon-caprolactone) (PMCL) of M(n) in the 950-2200 range. Compared to homoPEO, the adsorption of the copolymers is significantly increased by the connection of PEO to an aliphatic polyester block. According to calorimetric experiments, the copolymers interact with the surface mainly through the hydrophilic block. At low surface coverage, the PEO block interacts with the surface such that both PEO and PCL chains are exposed to the aqueous solution. At high surface coverage, a dense copolymer layer is observed with the PEO blocks oriented toward the solution. The structure of the copolymer layer has been analyzed by neutron scattering using the contrast matching technique and by tapping mode atomic force microscopy. The experimental observations agree with the coadsorption of micelles and free copolymer chains at the interface.     

CE and asymmetrical flow‐field flow fractionation studies of polymer interactions with surfaces and solutes reveal conformation changes of polymers

Amphiphilic diblock copolymers consisting of a hydrophobic core containing a polymerized ionic liquid and an outer shell composed of poly(N‐isoprolylacrylamide) were investigated by capillary electrophoresis and asymmetrical flow‐field flow fractionation. The polymerized ionic liquid comprised poly(2‐(1‐butylimidazolium‐3‐yl)ethyl methacrylate tetrafluoroborate) with a constant block length (n = 24), while the length of the poly(N‐isoprolylacrylamide) block varied (n = 14; 26; 59; 88). Possible adsorption of the block copolymer on the fused silica capillary, due to alterations in the polymeric conformation upon a change in the temperature (25 and 45 °C), was initially studied. For comparison, the effect of temperature on the copolymer conformation/hydrodynamic size was determined with the aid of asymmetrical flow‐field flow fractionation and light scattering. To get more information about the hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties of the synthesized block copolymers, they were used as a pseudostationary phase in electrokinetic chromatography for the separation of some model compounds, that is, benzoates and steroids. Of particular interest was to find out whether a change in the length or concentration of the poly(N‐isoprolylacrylamide) block would affect the separation of the model compounds. Overall, our results show that capillary electrophoresis and asymmetrical flow‐field flow fractionation are suitable methods for characterizing conformational changes of such diblock copolymers.     

Functionalizing ps microspheres by supercritical deposition of P(S-<Emphasis Type="Italic">b</Emphasis>-<Emphasis Type="Italic">t</Emphasis>BA) for diverse interfacial properties exemplified with biocidal ability

Polystyrene（PS） microspheres were functionalized with poly（styrene-b-tert-butyl acrylate）（P（S-b-tBA）） by adsorption from supercritical mixture of CO₂ and hexane.Supercritical deposition formed a shell-core structure that contained a shell of poly（tert-butyl acrylate）（PtBA） blocks and a core of the PS blocks entangling with the PS microspheres. The thickness of the PtBA layer and thereby the areal density of tert-butyl ester groups increased with the deposition pressure until plateau values attained at 20 MPa and higher.The tert-butyl ester groups were hydrolyzed to carboxyl groups for conjugation with tert-butylamine molecules via amide bonds that were further chlorinated into biocidal N-halamine moieties. The functionalization layer and its bonded N-halamine moieties were stable in flowing water and the chlorine could be regenerated upon eventual loss.This functionalization concept is applicable to polymers of any external and internal surfaces to achieve diverse surface properties by varying block copolymer and conjugated moieties.     

β‐Lactam functionalized poly(isoprene‐b‐ethylene oxide) amphiphilic block copolymers

Amphiphilic block copolymers containing β‐lactam groups on the polyisoprene block were synthesized from poly(isoprene‐b‐ethylene oxide) (IEO) diblock copolymer precursors, prepared by anionic polymerization. β‐Lactam functionalization was achieved via reaction of the polyisoprene (PI) block with chlorosulfonyl isocyanate and subsequent reduction. The resulting block copolymers were molecularly characterized by SEC, FTIR, and NMR spectroscopies and DSC. Functionalization was found to proceed in high yields, altering the solubility properties of the PI block and those of the functionalized diblocks. Hydrogen bond formation is assumed to be responsible for the decreased crystallinity of the poly(ethylene oxide) block (PEO) in the bulk state as indicated by DSC measurements. The self‐assembly behavior of the β‐lactam functionalized poly(isoprene‐b‐ethylene oxide) copolymers (LIEO) in aqueous solutions was studied by dynamic light scattering (DLS), static light scattering (SLS), fluorescence spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Nearly spherical loose aggregates were formed by the LIEO block copolymers, having lower aggregation numbers and higher cmc values compared to the IEO precursors, as a result of the increased polarity of the β‐lactam rings incorporated in the PI blocks. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 24–33, 2010     

Orthogonally Self‐Assembled Multifunctional Block Copolymers

We report the synthesis of telechelic poly(norbornene) and poly(cyclooctene) homopolymers by ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and their subsequent functionalization and block copolymer formation based on noncovalent interactions. Whereas all the poly(norbornene)s contain either a metal complex or a hydrogen‐bonding moiety along the polymer side‐chains, together with a single hydrogen‐bonding‐based molecular recognition moiety at one terminal end of the polymer chain. These homopolymers allow for the formation of side‐chain‐functionalized AB and ABA block copolymers through self‐assembly. The orthogonal natures of all side‐ and main‐chain self‐assembly events were demonstrated by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry. The resulting fully functionalized block copolymers are the first copolymers combining both side‐ and main‐chain self‐assembly, thereby providing a high degree of control over copolymer functionalization and architecture and bringing synthetic materials one step closer to the dynamic self‐assembly structures found in nature.     

Amphiphilic block and statistical siloxane copolymers with antimicrobial activity

Statistical and block all‐siloxane copolymers containing quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) groups with biocidal activity as lateral substituents were synthesized as models for the study of the effect of the arrangement of the QAS groups in the copolymer chain on their antimicrobial activity. The bioactive siloxane unit was [3‐n‐octyldimethylammoniopropyl]methylsiloxane, and the neutral unit was dimethylsiloxane. The copolymers also contained siloxane units with unreacted precursor 3‐chloropropyl or 3‐bromopropyl groups. A small number of units containing highly hydrophilic 3‐(3‐hydroxypropyl‐dimethylammonio)propyl groups were introduced to increase the solubility of the copolymers in water. The bioactive and bioneutral units were arranged in the polymer chain either in blocks or in statistical order. The block copolymers differed in the number and length of segments. The copolymers were obtained by the quaternization of tertiary amines by chloropropyl or bromopropyl groups attached to polysiloxane chains. The arrangement of the bioactive groups was controlled by the arrangement of the halogenopropyl groups in the bioactive copolymer precursor. All model siloxane copolymers showed high bactericidal activity in a water solution toward the gram‐negative bacteria Escherichia coli and the gram‐positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. However, no essential differences in the activities of the copolymers with block and statistical arrangements of units were detected. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 2939–2948, 2003     

Adsorption of cationic polymers on the surfaces of anionic glass microspheres

The adsorption of cationic copolymers prepared by the quaternization of poly(4-vinylpyridine) with bromoacetic acid and/or ethyl bromide on the surface of anionic glass microspheres and the stability of the as-prepared complexes against dissociation in water-salt solutions are studied. Experiments are performed with the use of two types of copolymers: copolymers carrying cationic and hydrophobic units and copolymers carrying cationic and zwitterionic (electroneutral) units in main chains. For hydrophobic copolymers, the limiting adsorption decreases as the molar fraction of cationic groups in the copolymer, α, increases. In the case of hydrophilic copolymers, the dependence of limiting adsorption on α has a bellshaped pattern with a maximum at α = 0.15 and a horizontal segment at α > 0.4. Hydrophobic copolymers feature irreversible binding with microspheres at α > 0.24; hydrophilic copolymers, at α ≥ 0.15. The obtained data may be used for creation of biocidal polymer coatings and sorption layers that reversibly desorb from the surface with a change in the salt concentration in the surrounding aqueous solution.     

Adsorption of Poly(ethylene oxide)-Poly(lactide) Copolymers. Effects of Composition and Degradation

The effect of chemical degradation of two diblock copolymers of poly(ethylene oxide) (E) and poly(lactide) (L), E(39)L(5) and E(39)L(20), on their adsorption at silica and methylated silica was investigated with in situ ellipsometry. Steric stablization of polystyrene dispersions was investigated in relation to degradation. Hydrolysis of the poly(lactide) block of the copolymers was followed at different temperatures and pH by using HPLC to measure the occurrence of lactic acid in solution. The block copolymers were quite stable in pH-unadjusted solution at low temperature, whereas degradation was facilitated by increasing temperature or lowering of the pH. Lower degradation rates of E(39)L(20) where observed at low temperature in comparison with those of E(39)L(5), whereas the degradation rates of the copolymers were quantitatively similar at high temperature. The adsorption of the copolymers at methylated silica substrates decreased with increasing degree of degradation due to the reduction in the ability of hydrophobic block to anchor the copolymer layer at the surface. At silica the adsorption initially increased with increasing degradation, particularly for E(39)L(20) due to deposition of aggregates onto the surface. After extensive degradation the adsorption of the copolymers at both silica and methylated silica resembled that of the corresponding poly(ethylene oxide) homopolymer. Overall, it was found that the eventual reduction in adsorption occurred at a lower degree of degradation for E(39)L(5) than for E(39)L(20). Mean-field calculations showed a reduced anchoring for the block copolymers with decreasing poly(lactide) block length at hydrophobic surfaces. In accordance with this finding, it was observed that polystyrene dispersions were stabilized by E(39)L(20) or E(39)L(5) in a way that depended on both the lactide block length and the degree of degradation. Upon degradation of the hydrophobic block, stabilization of the polystyrene dispersions was maintained initially, but eventually degradation resulted in destabilization. The average residual copolymer concentration required for stabilization of the polystyrene dispersions was much higher than the corresponding concentration of intact copolymer required for stabilization. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.     

Nematogenic aromatic block copolymers of rigid and flexible units. II. Phase equilibria

The solubility and mesophase behavior are investigated for block copolymers of poly(p-benzamide) (PBA), the polyterephthalamide of p-aminobenzhydrazide (PABH-T), and PBA and poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) (MPD-I) dissolved in N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) containing 3% LiCl. The block copolymers, whose synthesis and characterization were described in the previous paper in this series, included samples prepared by the two-step and multistep copolycondensations. The first of these methods yields a considerable amount of the flexible homopolymer (PABH-T) and also some of the rigid homopolymer. The flexible homopolymer can be removed from the block copolymer by extraction with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), whereas precipitation may offer a way to remove the rigid homopolymer. The results observed for the block copolymers are compared with those for the homopolymers and mixtures of homopolymers. The apparent solubility of the PBA/PABH-T block copolymers obtained by the two-step method is unusually large but decreases toward the value observed for mixtures after the flexible homopolymer had been extracted with DMSO. Labile adducts involving PABH-T and/or the block copolymer appear to be capable of forming a single mesophase. This offers a most interesting approach to the preparation of composite materials involving rigid and flexible polymers.     

Preparation of functionalized block copolymers based on a polysiloxane backbone by anionic ring‐opening polymerization

Polysiloxane diblock copolymers containing a pure polysiloxane backbone were prepared by the functionalization of poly(dimethylsiloxane)‐b‐poly(methylvinylsiloxane) copolymers. The copolymers were obtained by the sequential anionic copolymerization of either 1,3,5,7‐tetramethyl‐1,3,5,7‐tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane or 1,3,5‐trimethyl‐1,3,5‐trivinylcyclotrisiloxane with hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane. The two vinyl monomers showed large differences in the propagation rates, but both could be used for the formation of polysiloxane block copolymers. Differences in the polymerization sequences were investigated and revealed that better control was obtained if the slower propagating monomer was polymerized first. The method permitted the synthesis of block copolymers with molecular weight distributions around 1.4 and lower and high block purities. The vinyl groups of the block copolymers were quantitatively and selectively functionalized by hydrosilation or epoxidation reactions. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 1539–1551, 2002     

Mechanism of gold metal ion reduction, nanoparticle growth and size control in aqueous amphiphilic block copolymer solutions at ambient conditions

Spontaneous formation and efficient stabilization of gold nanoparticles with an average diameter of 7 approximately 20 nm from hydrogen tetrachloroaureate(III) hydrate (HAuCl4.3H2O) were achieved in air-saturated aqueous poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO-PPO-PEO) block copolymer solutions at ambient temperature in the absence of any other reducing agent. The particle formation mechanism is considered here on the basis of the block copolymer concentration dependence of absorption spectra, the time dependence (kinetics) of AuCl4- reduction, and the block copolymer concentration dependence of particle size. The effects of block copolymer characteristics such as molecular weight (MW), PEO block length, PPO block length, and critical micelle concentration (cmc) are explored by examining several PEO-PPO-PEO block copolymers. Our observations suggest that the formation of gold nanoparticles from AuCl4- comprises three main steps: (1) reduction of metal ions by block copolymer in solution, (2) absorption of block copolymer on gold clusters and reduction of metal ions on the surface of these gold clusters, and (3) growth of metal particles stabilized by block copolymers. While both PEO and PPO blocks contribute to the AuCl4- reduction (step 1), the PEO contribution appears to be dominant. In step 2, the adsorption of block copolymers on the surface of gold clusters takes place because of the amphiphilic character of the block copolymer (hydrophobicity of PPO). The much higher efficiency of particle formation attained in the PEO-PPO-PEO block copolymer systems as compared to PEO homopolymer systems can be attributed to the adsorption and growth processes (steps 2 and 3) facilitated by the block copolymers. The size of the gold nanoparticles produced is dictated by the above mechanism; the size increases with increasing reaction activity induced by the block copolymer overall molecular weight and is limited by adsorption due to the amphiphilic character of the block copolymers.     

Flexibility of the triblock copolymers modulating their penetration and expulsion mechanism in Langmuir monolayers of dihexadecyl phosphoric acid

The surface activity of the poly–[block (ethylene oxide)]–poly [block (propylene oxide)]–poly [block (ethylene oxide)] copolymers (EO)_x–(PO)_y–(EO)_x adsorbed together with dihexadecyl phosphoric acid (DHP), a synthetic phospholipid, is analyzed from their surface pressure and surface potential isotherms. The block copolymers of (EO)_x–(PO)_y–(EO)_x with variable molecular weight (1100–14 000) were dissolved in the subphase for DHP monolayers. The concentration of the copolymers within the aqueous subphase were selected to render an initial surface tension of 60 mN/m. The simultaneous adsorption of the copolymer and DHP is attested by the observation of a liquid expanded state at large areas, absent for pure DHP monolayers. Above some critical surface pressure all copolymers cited above are expelled from the interface. The surface potential isotherms, which give information on the component of the molecular dipole moment normal to the plane of the monolayer, are interpreted in terms of changes in the copolymer conformation as well as in terms of the copolymer desorption from the air–liquid interface. For an equal hydrophobic/hydrophilic ratio, the size of the chains or molecular weight is decisive in the mechanism of the copolymer expulsion from the air–liquid interface.     

The Synthesis of Special Block Copolymers Using a Reaction Calorimeter

Summary : The paper provides experimental results about an easy and versatile method to produce amphiphilic block copolymers, block copolymer particles, and even inorganic – polymeric nano-composites via aqueous heterophase polymerization. Special emphasis is placed on the morphology and colloidal properties of some non-ionic di- and triblock copolymer particles with poly(ethylene glycol) of 10⁶ g/mol molecular weight as hydrophilic block as well as di-stimuli-responsive block copolymers containing both a poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) and a poly(ionic liquid) block.     

Fabrication of block copolymer monolayers by adsorption from supercritical fluids: a versatile concept for modification and functionalization of polymer surfaces

We describe a generic method for polymer surface modification and functionalization that is applicable for substrates of arbitrary shape. The method involves the deposition of monolayer and submonolayer films of photoactive block copolymers from supercritical fluids. Poly(styrene-b-tert-butyl acrylate), poly(S-b-tBA), block copolymer monolayers form spontaneously on polystyrene substrates by adsorption from scCO2 when hexane is used as a cosolvent. Atomic force microscopy indicates the films are flat and without pores after modification. Ethylene glycol contact angles increase linearly with deposition pressure until a constant value, equal to that of pure P tBA, is attained at pressures of 18 MPa or greater at 40 degrees C. This trend mimics the change in block copolymer solubility with pressure and indicates that the block copolymer self-assembles and orders at the surface, presenting a P tBA layer at the air interface with the PS block orienting toward the PS substrate. The P tBA layer thickness, determined by angle dependent X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, reaches a saturated monolayer value of ca. 2 nm for pressures of 18 MPa and higher, consistent with the thickness expected for unperturbed PtBA chains comprising a wet brush. This concept for polymer surface modification initially produces a hydrophobic surface due to surface adsorption of the low surface tension PtBA block, but can also be used to prepare hydrophilic, functional surfaces, either modified or patterned with carboxylic acid groups, by photolytic or acid catalyzed deprotection/hydrolysis of the tert-butyl ester groups.     

Solid-supported block copolymer membranes through interfacial adsorption of charged block copolymer vesicles

The properties of amphiphilic block copolymer membranes can be tailored within a wide range of physical parameters. This makes them promising candidates for the development of new (bio)sensors based on solid-supported biomimetic membranes. Here we investigated the interfacial adsorption of polyelectrolyte vesicles on three different model substrates to find the optimum conditions for formation of planar membranes. The polymer vesicles were made from amphiphilic ABA triblock copolymers with short, positively charged poly(2,2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) end blocks and a hydrophobic poly( n-butyl methacrylate) (PBMA) middle block. We observed reorganization of the amphiphilic copolymer chains from vesicular structures into a 1.5+/-0.04 nm thick layer on the hydrophobic HOPG surface. However, this film starts disrupting and dewetting upon drying. In contrast, adsorption of the vesicles on the negatively charged SiO2 and mica substrates induced vesicle fusion and formation of planar, supported block copolymer films. This process seems to be controlled by the surface charge density of the substrate and concentration of the block copolymers in solution. The thickness of the copolymer membrane on mica was comparable to the thickness of phospholipid bilayers.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Amphiphilic Poly(caprolactone) Star Block Copolymers

Summary: Novel, star‐shaped, amphiphilic block copolymers composed of fully degradable poly(caprolactone) were synthesized by sequential addition polymerization. In the first step, four‐arm macroinitiators were produced by ring‐opening polymerization of caprolactone by initiation with pentaerythritol. Then, block copolymers were synthesized by sequential addition of 4‐(2‐benzyloxyethyl)‐ε‐caprolactone to the four‐arm macroinitiators. Star‐shaped, amphiphilic block copolymers containing poly(caprolactone)‐block‐poly[4‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)caprolactone] segments were obtained by catalytic debenzylation.

Four‐arm amphiphilic polycaprolactone star block copolymer.     

Surface modification with well-defined biocompatible triblock copolymers Improvement of biointerfacial phenomena on a poly(dimethylsiloxane) surface

To improve interfacial phenomena of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) as biomaterials, well-defined triblock copolymers were prepared as coating materials by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) controlled polymerization. Hydroxy-terminated poly(vinylmethylsiloxane-co-dimethylsiloxane) (HO–PV_lD_mMS–OH) was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization. The copolymerization ratio of vinylmethylsiloxane to dimethylsiloxane was 1/9. The molecular weight of HO–PV_lD_mMS–OH ranged from (1.43 to 4.44) × 10⁴, and their molecular weight distribution (M_w/M_n) as determined by size-exclusion chromatography equipped with multiangle laser light scattering (SEC-MALS) was 1.16. 4-Cyanopentanoic acid dithiobenzoate was reacted with HO–PV_lD_mMS–OH to obtain macromolecular chain transfer agents (macro-CTA). 2-Methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) was polymerized with macro-CTAs. The gel-permeation chromatography (GPC) chart of synthesized polymers was a single peak and M_w/M_n was relatively narrow (1.3–1.6). Then the poly(MPC) (PMPC)–PV_lD_mMS–PMPC triblock copolymers were synthesized. The molecular weight of PMPC in a triblock copolymer was easily controllable by changing the polymerization time or the composition of the macro-CTA to a monomer in the feed. The synthesized block copolymers were slightly soluble in water and extremely soluble in ethanol and 2-propanol.

Surface modification was performed via hydrosilylation. The block copolymer was coated on the PDMS film whose surface was pretreated with poly(hydromethylsiloxane). The surface wettability and lubrication of the PDMS film were effectively improved by immobilization with the block copolymers. In addition, the number of adherent platelets from human platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was dramatically reduced by surface modification. Particularly, the triblock copolymer having a high composition ratio of MPC units to silicone units was effective in improving the surface properties of PDMS.

By selective decomposition of the Si–H bond at the surface of the PDMS substrate by irradiation with UV light, the coating region of the triblock copolymer was easily controlled, resulting in the fabrication of micropatterns. On the surface, albumin adsorption was well manipulated.     

Biofouling resistance of ultrafiltration membranes controlled by surface self-assembled coating with PEGylated copolymers

Block and random PEGylated copolymers of poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) and polystyrene (PS) were synthesized with a controlled polydispersity using an atom transfer radical polymerization method and varying molar mass ratios of PS/PEGMA. Two types of PEGylated copolymers were self-assembly coated onto the surface of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) ultrafiltration membranes for enhancing biofouling resistance. It was found that the adsorption capacities of random copolymers on PVDF membranes were all higher than those of block copolymers. However, the specific and overall protein resistance of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on PVDF membranes coated with block copolymers was much higher than that with random copolymers. The increase in styrene content in copolymer increased the amount of polymer coating on the membrane, and the increase in PEGMA content enhanced the protein resistance of membranes. The optimum PS/PEGMA ratio was found to be close to 2 for the best resistance of protein adsorption and bacterial adhesion on the PEGylated diblock copolymer-coated membranes. The PVDF membrane coated with such a copolymer owned excellent biofouling resistance to BSA, humic acid, negatively surface charged bacteria E. coli, and positively surface charged bacteria S. maltophilia.