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Nonfouling polyampholyte polymer brushes with protein conjugation capacity.
Tapashree Tah1, Matthew T Bernards
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States.
Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces
|January 27, 2012
Summary
This study optimized polyampholyte copolymer brushes for biomaterials. The optimized brushes exhibit ultralow fouling and retain protein conjugation capabilities, showing promise for advanced biosensor and biomaterial applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Surface Science
Background:
- Nonspecific protein adsorption is a major challenge in biomaterial applications.
- Nonfouling surface chemistries are crucial for improving biomaterial performance.
- Polyampholyte copolymers offer potential for dual functionality in surface coatings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine optimal conditions for nonfouling properties of polyampholyte copolymers.
- To investigate the dual functionality of these copolymers, including protein conjugation.
- To evaluate the potential of these materials for biosensor and biomaterial applications.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized polyampholyte copolymers of [2-(acryloyloxy) ethyl] trimethyl ammonium chloride (TMA) and 2-carboxy ethyl acrylate (CAA) via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization.
- Varied polymer brush thickness to identify optimal nonfouling conditions.
- Measured protein adsorption (fibrinogen, lysozyme, fetal bovine serum) using surface plasmon resonance biosensing.
- Assessed protein conjugation capacity at varying brush thicknesses.
Main Results:
- Optimal copolymer brush thickness achieved ultralow fouling, even with 100% fetal bovine serum exposure.
- Protein conjugation was demonstrated at the optimal nonfouling thickness.
- Copolymer brush chain conformation influenced protein conjugation capacity.
Conclusions:
- TMA:CAA polyampholyte surfaces exhibit dual functionality: excellent nonfouling properties and protein conjugation capacity.
- Optimized polyampholyte brush thickness is critical for achieving desired performance.
- These materials show significant promise for advanced biosensor and biomaterial applications.
