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Zwitterionic Polymers: Synthesis, Architectures, Properties, and Biomedical Applications
Hongying Wang1, Kuan Cheng1, Hanqi Zheng2
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|June 2, 2026
Summary
Zwitterionic polymers, with their dual charges, offer unique properties like protein resistance for biomedical uses. Their performance depends on synthesis, structure, and how they interact with biological systems.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomaterials Science
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Zwitterionic polymers possess repeating units with equal positive and negative charges.
- Their structure leads to high hydration, enabling properties like protein adsorption resistance, lubrication, and antifreezing.
- These polymers are increasingly important in biomedical applications due to their unique characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review zwitterionic polymers using an application-focused "synthesis-architecture-application" framework.
- To highlight the crucial interplay between synthesis, architecture, and biological interactions for biomedical performance.
- To provide a design roadmap for advancing zwitterionic polymers in biomedical translation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of zwitterionic polymer research.
- Framework application connecting synthesis, polymer topology, material architecture, and biological interactions.
- Discussion of synthetic routes for controlling polymer structure and architecture.
- Analysis of material forms and interfacial properties required for biomedical applications.
Main Results:
- Biomedical performance is dictated by a hierarchical relationship: synthetic strategy, chain topology, material architecture, and biological interactions.
- Application requirements drive the selection of material architecture, polymer topology, and synthetic methods.
- Synthetic routes are tools for controlling polymer topology and architecture.
- Biomedical applications necessitate specific material forms and interfacial properties.
Conclusions:
- A holistic approach linking zwitterionic chemistry, synthesis, architecture, and application is essential for successful biomedical translation.
- Understanding the hierarchical relationships is key to designing effective zwitterionic materials.
- Addressing clinical challenges requires strategic material design informed by application needs.
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