Suppressing surface reconstruction of superhydrophobic PDMS using a superhydrophilic zwitterionic polymer

Biomacromolecules. 2012 May 14;13(5):1683-7. doi: 10.1021/bm300399s. Epub 2012 Apr 26.

Abstract

Poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) is extensively used for biomedical applications due to its low cost, ease of fabrication, high durability and flexibility, oxygen permeability, and self-healing properties. PDMS, however, has some significant drawbacks. PDMS endures unacceptably high levels of nonspecific protein fouling when used with biological samples due to its superhydrophobic characteristics. Unfortunately, conventional surface modification methods do not work for PDMS due to its low glass transition temperature. This phenomenon has been well-known for years as "hydrophobic regeneration". For the same reason, it is also very difficult to bring functionalities onto PDMS surfaces. Herein, we demonstrate how a superhydrophilic zwitterionic material, poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) (pCBMA), can provide a highly stable coating with long-term stabilty due to the sharp contrast in hydrophobicity between pCBMA and PDMS. This material is able to suppress nonspecific protein adsorption in complex media and functionalize desired biomolecules needed in applications, such as diagnostics, without sacrificing its nonfouling characteristics.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Betaine / chemical synthesis
  • Betaine / chemistry*
  • Biofouling / prevention & control
  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes / chemical synthesis
  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes / chemistry*
  • Fibrinogen / chemistry
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Molecular Structure
  • Polymerization
  • Polymethacrylic Acids / chemical synthesis
  • Polymethacrylic Acids / chemistry*
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes
  • Polymethacrylic Acids
  • polycarboxybetaine methacrylate
  • Betaine
  • Fibrinogen