Improved Antifouling Properties of Polydimethylsiloxane Films via Formation of Polysiloxane/Polyzwitterion Interpenetrating Networks

Abstract

Nonspecific adsorption of proteins is a challenging problem for the development of biocompatible materials, as well as for antifouling and fouling-release coatings, for instance for the marine industry. The concept of preparing amphiphilic systems based on low surface energy hydrophobic materials via their hydrophilic modification is being widely pursued. This work describes a novel two-step route for the preparation of interpenetrating polymer networks of otherwise incompatible poly(dimethylsiloxane) and zwitterionic polymers. Changes in surface hydrophilicity as well as surface charge at different pH values are investigated. Characterization using atomic force microscopy provides thorough insight into surface changes upon hydrophilic modification. Protein fouling of the materials is assessed using fibrinogen as a model protein.

Amphiphilic Polymer Platforms: Surface Engineering of Films for Marine Antibiofouling

“…Modifications of PDMS with zwitterions were introduced to form bifunctional surfaces which could express a combination of the AF properties attributed to zwitterionic polymers and the FR capability of PDMS in one single system . In one example, poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (poly(SBMA)) was grafted from poly(vinylmethylsiloxane) elastomer films by a sequence of thiol‐ene click chemistry (for the immobilisation of the initiator on the surface) and activator regenerated by electron transfer for atom transfer radical polymerisation (ARGET‐ATRP) (for the surface‐initiated polymerisation) (Figure ) .…”

“…zwitterionic polymers and the FR capability of PDMS in one single system. [137][138][139][140] In one example, poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (poly(SBMA)) was grafted from poly-(vinylmethylsiloxane) elastomer films by a sequence of thiol-ene click chemistry (for the immobilisation of the initiator on the surface) and activator regenerated by electron transfer for atom transfer radical polymerisation (ARGET-ATRP) (for the surface-initiated polymerisation) ( Figure 17). [140] It was shown that the coatings displayed a short-term (hours) resistance to the attachment of the bacterium Cobetia marina and the settlement of the barnacle B. amphitrite.…”

Polydimethylsiloxane/monomer casting nylon copolymers: Preparation, flame‐retardant properties, and wear‐resistant properties

“…Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has many applications due to its unique properties, which mainly arise from its structure composed of organic grafted methyl group and inorganic SiO bond. These significant properties include great molecular flexibility, low surface energy, good hydrophobicity, flame retardancy, and so forth . PDMS had been widely added to PU to improve mechanical properties and surface and bulk properties .…”

“…These significant properties include great molecular flexibility, low surface energy, good hydrophobicity, flame retardancy, and so forth. [13][14][15][16] PDMS had been widely added to PU to improve mechanical properties and surface and bulk properties. 14,17 In the study of the chemical modification of polyamide 12 (PA12) through the reaction with a hydride-terminated PDMS, it was found that the mechanical properties and thermal stability of PA12 were enhanced.…”

One-pot blue-light triggered tough interpenetrating polymeric network (IPN) using CuAAC and methacrylate reactions

“…4, 5 Other examples have imparted antifouling and self-cleaning properties from one network to the other. 6, 7 IPNs are used in an array of diverse commercial applications such as ion exchange resins, medical dressing, and automobile bumpers, 8 and are typically synthesized by either a sequential or simultaneous method. 1 The sequential synthesis method, where a crosslinked network is swollen with a monomer that is further polymerized to form a second, interwoven network, enables integration of chemically incompatible monomers and crosslinkers.…”