Hemocompatible mixed-charge copolymer brushes of pseudozwitterionic surfaces resistant to nonspecific plasma protein fouling.
In this work, the hemocompatibility of a sulfobetaine-like copolymer brush resulting from a mixed-charge copolymerization of the positively charged 11-mercapto-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (TMA) and negatively charged 11-mercaptoundecylsulfonic acid (SA) was studied. Mixed charge distribution in the prepared poly(TMA-co-SA) copolymer brushes was controlled by the regulation of the reaction rate of the surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The adsorption behavior of plasma proteins on a surface grafted with poly(TMA-co-SA) was measured by a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor. The effects of varying temperature, solution pH, and ionic strength on the antifouling characteristics of the mixed-charge copolymer brushes were systematically evaluated, and the protein-fouling resistance was discussed in detail, especially with respect to the effect of ionic strength on the intra- and intermolecular interactions of the poly(TMA-co-SA) with proteins. The adhesion and activation of blood cells on the poly(TMA-co-SA)-grafted surface in contact with human whole blood was also demonstrated. The results suggest that mixed-charge copolymer brushes of poly(TMA-co-SA), which, like zwitterionic homopolymer brushes, have overall charge neutrality, can be used in similar applications for protein-fouling resistance and have excellent hemocompatibility with human whole blood at physiologic temperatures.
Chang
Yung
Y
R&D Center for Membrane Technology and Department of Chemical Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Jhong-Li, Taoyuan 320, Taiwan. ychang@cycu.edu.tw
Shu
Shih-Hung
SH
Shih
Yu-Ju
YJ
Chu
Chih-Wei
CW
Ruaan
Ruoh-Chyu
RC
Chen
Wen-Yih
WY
D000327:Adsorption; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D057219:Biofouling; D001773:Blood Cells / Q000166:cytology; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D013696:Temperature
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001798:Blood Proteins; D011108:Polymers; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds