Work

Effect of Polymer Brush Architecture on Antibiofouling Properties

Year: 2011

Type: article

Abstract: Polymer brushes show great promise in next-generation antibiofouling surfaces. Here, we have studied the influence of polymer brush architecture on protein resistance. By carefully optimizing reaction conditions, we were able to polymerize oligoglycerol-based brushes with sterically demanding linear or dendronized side chains on gold surfaces. Protein adsorption from serum and plasma was analyzed by surface plasmon resonance. Our findings reveal a pronounced dependence of biofouling on brush architecture. Bulky yet flexible side chains as in dendronized brushes provide an ideal environment to repel protein-possibly through formation of a hydration layer, which can be further enhanced by presenting free hydroxyl groups on the polymer brushes. A deeper understanding of how brush architecture influences protein resistance will ultimately enable fabrication of surface coatings tailored to specific requirements in biomedical applications.

Source: Biomacromolecules

DOI: 10.1021/bm200943m

Authors: Gesine Gunkel, Marie Weinhart, Tobias Becherer, Rainer Haag, Wilhelm T. S. Huck

Institutions: University of Cambridge, Freie Universität Berlin, Radboud University Nijmegen

Language: English

Topic: Polymer Surface Interaction Studies

Subfield: Surfaces, Coatings and Films

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2078923706

FWCI: 9.946

Cites: 37

Cited by: 166

Related to: 10