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A facile approach toward multi-functional polyurethane/polyethersulfone composite membranes for versatile
Rui Wang1, Tao Xiang1, Wei-Feng Zhao1
1College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, People's Republic of China.
Summary
Functional polyurethanes (PUs) were synthesized in a facile one-step method for diverse biological applications. These PUs offer tunable properties like adsorption, blood compatibility, and antibacterial activity, showcasing their versatility.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Traditional functional polymer synthesis involves complex, multi-step reactions and tedious purifications, limiting practical applications.
- Developing facile and versatile functional polymers is crucial for advancing biological applications.
- Polyurethanes (PUs) offer a promising scaffold for functionalization due to their tunable properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design a facile approach for synthesizing functional polyurethanes (PUs) with versatile biological applications.
- To explore the conversion of tertiary amino groups in PUs into zwitterions or quaternary ammonium salts.
- To develop PU/polyethersulfone composite membranes with tailored functionalities.
Main Methods:
- A one-step synthesis was employed to convert tertiary amino groups in PUs into zwitterions or quaternary ammonium salts under mild conditions.
- PU/polyethersulfone composite membranes were prepared using the functionalized PUs.
- Characterization of adsorption capabilities, blood compatibility, and antibacterial properties of the composite membranes.
Main Results:
- Composite membranes with tertiary amine groups showed significant adsorption of anionic dye Congo red and toxin bilirubin.
- Zwitterionic PU membranes exhibited excellent blood compatibility.
- Quaternary ammonium salt-functionalized membranes displayed antibacterial properties, and carboxybetaine-functional membranes with Ag nanoparticles showed dual antibacterial and antifouling functions.
Conclusions:
- A facile and efficient method for creating multi-functional polyurethanes was demonstrated.
- The developed PU-based composite membranes show significant potential for diverse biological applications, including water purification and biomedical devices.
- Polyurethanes are presented as readily available, multi-functional, and easy-to-use materials for advanced applications.
