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Synthesis of Hydrogels with Antifouling Properties As Membranes for Water Purification
Published on: April 7, 2017
Nonfouling hydrogels formed from charged monomer subunits.
Sean C Dobbins1, Daniel E McGrath, Matthew T Bernards
1Departments of Chemical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|November 30, 2012
Summary
Newly developed hydrogels resist protein adsorption, crucial for biomaterials. These materials, using mixed charges, show promise in preventing implant fouling in bodily fluids.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Surface Science
Background:
- Protein adsorption onto implants is a major challenge in biomaterials, often leading to undesirable biological responses.
- Previous research indicates that materials with a balanced distribution of positive and negative charges exhibit nonfouling characteristics.
- Zwitterionic materials and equimolar mixtures of charged monomers are known examples of such nonfouling surfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the formation of nonfouling hydrogels using an equimolar mixture of oppositely charged monomers.
- To thoroughly characterize the physical properties of these novel hydrogel systems.
- To evaluate the protein resistance of the hydrogels against common biological proteins.
Main Methods:
- Hydrogels were synthesized using [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (TM) and 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate potassium salt (SA) monomers.
- Varying concentrations of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) were used as a cross-linker.
- Characterization included swelling, water content, zeta potential, and compressional properties; nonfouling capacity was assessed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) using fibrinogen and lysozyme.
Main Results:
- The synthesized TM:SA hydrogels exhibited significant resistance to protein adsorption, comparable to established nonfouling controls.
- Physical properties such as swelling, water percentage, surface charge, and mechanical behavior were systematically analyzed.
- Composition analysis revealed a slight enrichment of the SA monomer, suggesting potential for further optimization of nonfouling performance.
Conclusions:
- Hydrogels formed from equimolar mixtures of TM and SA monomers demonstrate effective nonfouling properties.
- These materials offer a promising alternative for reducing nonspecific protein adsorption on biomedical devices.
- Further refinement of monomer ratios could potentially enhance the already established nonfouling capabilities.
