Synthesis and characterisation of cationically modified phospholipid polymers

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Science

Background:

• Phospholipid-like polymers offer biocompatibility and unique surface properties.
• Controlling polymer hydrophilicity and swelling is crucial for advanced material applications.
• Incorporating cationic charge can modulate polymer-water interactions and surface behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize phospholipid-like copolymers with varying cationic content.
• To characterize the effect of cationic charge on polymer properties, including water content, swelling, and surface wettability.
• To evaluate the suitability of these polymers for potential biomaterial applications.

Main Methods:

• Monomer-starved free radical polymerization was used to synthesize copolymers.
• Techniques such as NMR, HPLC, GPC, gravimetry, DSC, SPR, dynamic contact angle, and AFM were employed for characterization.
• Polymer membranes were thermally cured and their properties evaluated under varying hydration conditions.

Main Results:

• Cationic monomer incorporation did not interfere with polymerization.
• Water content increased from 50% to 98% with increasing cation content.
• Coatings exhibited rapid swelling in water, with increased rate and extent correlating with cation level.
• Dry films were hydrophobic, while wet films became highly wettable, with wettability increasing with cation content.
• Mechanical properties of dry films remained unaffected by cation content.

Conclusions:

• Phospholipid-like copolymers with tunable cationic charge were successfully synthesized.
• The cationic content significantly influences the water content, swelling behavior, and surface wettability of the polymers.
• These tunable properties make the synthesized copolymers promising candidates for advanced biomaterial applications.