PDMS-based films containing surface-active amphiphilic block copolymers to combat fouling from barnacles B. amphitrite and B. improvisus

Abstract

Surface-active amphiphilic diblock copolymers, Si-EFS14 and Si-EFS71, consisting of a poly(dimethyl siloxane) block (degree of polymerisation 11) and a poly(4-(triethyleneglycol monomethyl ether)-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorostyrene) block (average degree of polymerisation 14 and 71) were synthesised by ATRP. Films were prepared by incorporating each copolymer (4 wt%) into a PDMS matrix, which was then condensation cured. Bioassays were performed on the films using two barnacle species, Balanus amphitrite and Balanus improvisus, at different stages of their life cycles. The cyprids of B. improvisus settled on all test surfaces in higher numbers than those of B. amphitrite. However, the juveniles of B. improvisus were more easily removed from the films con-taining the copolymer Si-EFS14 than from those containing the copolymer Si-EFS71. An XPS analysis revealed that the near-surface region of copolymer Si-EFS71 was enriched in oxyethylenic chains and became even more populated by these hydrophilic chains after the films were immersed in water.Dear Axel, Please find enclosed our revised paper. We thank the reviewers for their appreciation of our work and helpful comments. We accepted essentially all the suggestions from Reviewers 2 and 3 and changed the text accordingly; see our changes and answers in red. As for Reviewer 1, let us insist that the main innovation resides in the complementary approach of the work by polymer chemistry, physics, surface science and biology, although individual aspects may not be fully original per se. Therefore, we do believe that the paper is well suited for publication in Polymer to the benefit of the expert in the art and the general reader.The paper is now in a better shape and we look forward to its final acceptance and publication. Warm regards, GiancarloCover Letter Dear Axel, Please find enclosed our revised paper. We thank the reviewers for their appreciation of our work and helpful comments. We accepted essentially all the suggestions from Reviewers 2 and 3 and changed the text accordingly; see our changes and answers in red. As for Reviewer 1, let us insist that the main innovation resides in the complementary approach of the work by polymer chemistry, physics, surface science and biology, although individual aspects may not be fully original per se. Therefore, we do believe that the paper is well suited for publication in Polymer to the benefit of the expert in the art and the general reader.The paper is now in a better shape and we look forward to its final acceptance and publication.

Water erodible coatings based on a hydrolyzable PDMS/polyester network

“…The results are the average of at least 5 measurements on 3 different samples. The dynamic mechanical analyses were performed using free standing films of [10][11][12][13][14] mm length, [8][9][10] mm width and [0.6-1.0] mm thick.…”

“…In this manner they could design coatings with chemically evolving surfaces during water immersion [12]. The most efficient amphiphilic copolymers contain PEGylated-perfluoroalkyl pending groups which can migrate to the extreme surface of the PDMS elastomer, and provide an ambiguous and unpredictable surface towards fouling species [13][14][15]. Zwitterionic polymers were also used in PDMS-based FRC.…”

In Situ FT‐IR Spectroscopy Investigation of the Water Sorption of Amphiphilic PDMS Crosslinked Networks

“…Embedding a hydrophilic polymer into a hydrophobic polymer matrix is a common approach to improve the hydrophilicity of the latter, thereby creating an amphiphilic material with modified bulk and surface properties . Most frequently, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) (or poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)) is incorporated as a hydrophilic component of PDMS polymer blends, block copolymers, tether‐modified hydrogels, and conetworks …”

Fluorinated vs. Zwitterionic-Polymer Grafted Surfaces for Adhesion Prevention of the Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans

“…However, removal of the contaminated implant can be accompanied by complications, negatively affecting the patient's condition and the economic burden. Therefore, prevention of biofilm-associated infections currently represents a major challenge.The surface properties, notably the surface chemical composition, of materials susceptible to fouling are known to significantly affect the biofilm formation on medical devices [11], as well as the micro-and macro-fouler colonization of ship hulls, maritime equipment and industrial implants [12][13][14][15]. One of the most promising strategies to overcome this problem is to develop anti(bio)fouling surfaces, which prevent microorganism adhesion.The first interactions occurring among C. albicans cells and materials surfaces are usually hydrophobic interactions and electrostatic forces, taking place within the first 12 h; subsequent stages involve a stronger adhesion, displayed by cell-wall glycoproteins (e.g., Als or Hwp1 proteins) [16].…”

“…The surface properties, notably the surface chemical composition, of materials susceptible to fouling are known to significantly affect the biofilm formation on medical devices [11], as well as the micro-and macro-fouler colonization of ship hulls, maritime equipment and industrial implants [12][13][14][15]. One of the most promising strategies to overcome this problem is to develop anti(bio)fouling surfaces, which prevent microorganism adhesion.…”