One-Step Zwitterionic Modification of Polyamide-Polyurethane Mixed Textile through Acidic Catalyzation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Polyamide (PA) and polyurethane (PU) materials are widely used but susceptible to biofouling.
• Biofouling on biomedical devices and textiles leads to reduced performance and increased infection risk.
• Developing effective antibiofouling surface modifications is crucial for advanced material applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple, one-step zwitterionic surface modification for polyamide and polyurethane.
• To impart excellent antibiofouling properties to modified materials.
• To optimize the modification process for enhanced performance.

Main Methods:

• A one-step dip-coating method using an epoxy-type biomimetic zwitterionic copolymer, poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-sulfobetaine acrylamide) (PGSA).
• Acidic conditions were used to activate polyamide's amine groups for copolymer reaction via ring-opening addition.
• Optimization of coating parameters including temperature, concentration, copolymer ratio, and pH.

Main Results:

• The modified polyamide fabric exhibited significantly reduced biofouling.
• Achieved a 70% reduction in fibrinogen adsorption.
• Demonstrated a 93% reduction in whole-blood cell attachment, 95% in red blood cell attachment, and 98.2% in bacterial attachment.
• Enhanced biocompatibility and antibiofouling capabilities were confirmed.

Conclusions:

• A straightforward and cost-effective zwitterionic surface modification technique for PA and PU was successfully developed.
• The PGSA modification provides excellent antibiofouling properties and enhanced biocompatibility.
• This technology shows great potential for biomedical devices and functional textiles.