Ultralow Fouling and Functionalizable Surface Chemistry Based on Zwitterionic Carboxybetaine Random Copolymers

Langmuir. 2019 Feb 5;35(5):1544-1551. doi: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b02540. Epub 2018 Dec 27.

Abstract

Here, we report a simple yet effective surface-modification approach to imparting hydrophobic surfaces with superhydrophilicity using ultralow fouling/functionalizable carboxybetaine (CB) copolymers via a dip-coating technique. A new series of CB random copolymers with varying amphiphilicities were synthesized and coated on hydrophobic polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) surfaces. The nonfouling capability of each coating was screened by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and further comprehensively assessed against 100% human serum by a Micro BCA protein assay kit. The random copolymer containing ∼30 mol % CB units showed superhydrophilicity with the highest air contact angle of more than 165° in DI water and the best nonfouling capability against 100% human blood serum. Surfaces of a 96-well plate coated with the optimal CB random copolymer had a significantly better nonfouling capability than those of a commercial 96-well plate with an ultralow attachment surface. The adhesion of mouse embryonic fibroblast cells (NIH3T3) was completely inhibited on surfaces coated with CB random copolymers. Furthermore, the optimal nonfouling CB copolymer surface was functionalized with an antigen via covalent bonding where its specific interactions with its antibody were verified. Thus, this CB random copolymer is capable of imparting both ultralow fouling and functionalizable capabilities to hydrophobic surfaces for blood-contacting devices.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acrylic Resins / chemical synthesis
  • Acrylic Resins / chemistry*
  • Acrylic Resins / metabolism
  • Adsorption
  • Animals
  • Biofouling / prevention & control*
  • Blood Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • NIH 3T3 Cells
  • Polypropylenes / chemistry
  • Polystyrenes / chemistry
  • Protein Binding
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / chemical synthesis
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / chemistry*
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / metabolism

Substances

  • Acrylic Resins
  • Blood Proteins
  • Polypropylenes
  • Polystyrenes
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds