Antibacterial and hemocompatibility switchable polypropylene nonwoven fabric membrane surface

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Developing advanced biomaterials with tunable surface properties is crucial for biomedical applications.
• Polypropylene nonwoven fabric membranes (PP NWF) are widely used but often require surface modification for specific functionalities.
• Switchable surfaces offering both antibacterial and hemocompatible properties are highly desirable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a facile approach for creating biofunctional PP NWF with a switchable surface.
• To engineer a surface that transitions from antibacterial to hemocompatible properties.
• To explore the potential of this switchable surface for biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a cationic carboxybetaine ester monomer (CABA-1-ester).
• Graft polymerization of CABA-1-ester onto PP NWF using plasma pretreatment and UV initiation.
• Surface hydrolysis of poly(CABA-1-ester) under mild conditions to achieve switchable properties.

Main Results:

• The modified PP NWF exhibited significant suppression of Staphylococcus aureus proliferation.
• Post-hydrolysis, the surface showed reduced protein adsorption and platelet adhesion.
• The hydrolyzed surface demonstrated remarkably enhanced antithrombotic properties.

Conclusions:

• A switchable PP NWF surface from antibacterial to hemocompatible was successfully developed.
• The method utilizes plasma pretreatment and UV-induced graft polymerization.
• This versatile surface modification strategy holds promise for various biomedical applications.