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Long-lasting hydrophilic surface generated on poly(dimethyl siloxane) with photoreactive zwitterionic polymers
Hiroki Nakano1, Sachiro Kakinoki2, Yasuhiko Iwasaki2
1Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kansai University, 3-3-35 Yamate-cho, Suita-shi, Osaka, 564-8680, Japan.
Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces
|June 8, 2021
Summary
A novel photoreactive zwitterionic polymer effectively prevents hydrophobic recovery in modified poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) surfaces. This enhances long-term stability and lubricity for biomedical applications, overcoming limitations of conventional methods.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) is a key material for biomedical devices.
- PDMS surface modification is crucial for enhancing device performance.
- Limited long-term stability due to hydrophobic recovery hinders PDMS applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a stable surface modification for PDMS.
- To suppress hydrophobic recovery in PDMS surfaces.
- To improve the reliability of PDMS in biomedical fields.
Main Methods:
- Photo-grafting of poly[2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC)] onto O2-plasma-treated PDMS.
- Utilizing a photoreactive zwitterionic polymer (PMBPP) as a macroinitiator.
- Investigating surface wettability and elemental composition over nine weeks.
Main Results:
- PMBPP effectively suppressed hydrophobic recovery, maintaining surface hydrophilicity (advancing contact angle ~20°).
- Conventional benzophenone (BP) initiator showed significant hydrophobic recovery within nine weeks (advancing contact angle increased to 81°).
- PMBPP-initiated surfaces exhibited sustained lubricity and non-fouling properties.
Conclusions:
- The zwitterionic photoreactive polymer PMBPP is a superior macroinitiator for PDMS surface modification.
- This method significantly enhances the long-term stability and performance of PDMS-based biomedical devices.
- The developed technique addresses the critical challenge of hydrophobic recovery in modified PDMS.
