Complementary Supramolecular Functionalization Enhances Antifouling Surfaces: A Ureidopyrimidinone-Functionalized...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Implant fibrosis is a major challenge for biomedical devices and tissue engineering.
• Antifouling coatings, like zwitterionic ones, can prevent cell adhesion but often require complex covalent attachment.
• Spontaneous self-assembly offers a simpler method for anchoring coatings via molecular recognition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate supramolecular interactions for anchoring antifouling coatings to polymer surfaces.
• To develop and characterize copolymers of ureidopyrimidinone methacrylate (UPyMA) and 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC).
• To evaluate the antifouling properties and biocompatibility of these novel coatings.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized MPC-UPy copolymers with varying UPyMA content.
• Characterized copolymers using 1H NMR, FTIR, and GPC.
• Coated copolymers onto a UPy elastomer and assessed surface properties (hydrophilicity, protein absorption, cell adhesion).

Main Results:

• MPC-UPy copolymers exhibited UPy composition similar to feed ratios and low dispersities.
• Antifouling properties improved with higher UPy mol % in the copolymers.
• Coating longevity and bioantifouling nature could be tuned by UPy composition, showing spatio-temporal control.
• Coatings demonstrated non-toxicity and biocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• Supramolecular interactions provide a simple yet specific method for anchoring antifouling coatings.
• The developed MPC-UPy copolymers offer tunable, long-lasting antifouling properties for biomaterials.
• This approach merges ease of application with engineered longevity for advanced medical device coatings.