Antifouling Properties of Poly(methyl methacrylate) Films Grafted with Poly(ethylene glycol) Monoacrylate Immersed in Seawater

Abstract

Biofouling of all structures immersed in seawater constitutes an important problem, and many strategies are currently being developed to tackle it. In this context, our previous work shows that poly(ethylene glycol) monoacrylate (PEGA) macromonomer grafted on preoxidized poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMAox) films exhibits an excellent repellency against the bovine serum albumin used as a model protein. This study aims to evaluate the following: (1) the prevention of a marine extract material adsorption by the modified surfaces and (2) the antifouling property of the PEGA-g-PMMAox substrates when immersed in natural seawater during two seasons (season 1: end of April-beginning of May 2007, and season 2: end of October-beginning of November 2007). The antifouling performances of the PEGA-g-PMMAox films are investigated for different PEG chain lengths and macromonomer concentrations into the PEGA-based coatings. These two parameters are followed as a function of the immersion time, which evolves up to 14 days. The influence of the PEGA layer on marine compounds (proteins and phospholipids) adsorption is evidenced by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It was found that the antifouling efficiency of the PEGA-grafted surfaces increases with both PEGA concentration and PEG chain length.

Amphiphilic zwitterionic-PDMS-based surface-modifying additives to tune fouling-release of siloxane-polyurethane marine coatings

“…Amphiphilic systems take advantage of the protein-resistant characteristics of hydrophilic materials that deter biofouling. 11 Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is one of the commonly investigated materials as it resists protein absorption and possesses non-toxic and nonimmunogenic properties.…”

Poly(ethylene) glycol-modified, amphiphilic, siloxane–polyurethane coatings and their performance as fouling-release surfaces

“…1 2 However, the primary method of adhesion involves spreading of an adhesive consisting of a complex protein or glycoprotein. 16 Surfaces modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) are of great interest mainly due to their ability to resist protein adhesion. 17 PEG-based materials tend to prevent biofoulant settlement and adhesion via hydrophilic interaction.…”

TOF-SIMS imaging of adsorbed proteins on topographically complex surfaces with Bi3+ primary ions

“…Research has found that adsorbed proteins play a key role in the performance of medical devices because they influence animal cell adhesion, 1–3 microbial infections, 4–7 calcification, 8 and tissue integration. 9 Additionally, the study of interfacial proteins is of growing importance in the areas of biosensors, 10 biofouling, 11 immunology, 12 and a host of biological processes. 13–15 …”