Preparation and characterization of bioinert amphiphilic P(VDF-co-CTFE)-g-POEM graft copolymer

ABSTRACT

Hydrophobic poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-chlorotrifluoroethylene) P(VDF-co-CTFE) was used as the polymer backbone to graft poly (oxyethylene methacrylate) (POEM) by atom transfer radical polymerization. Synthesis of graft P(VDF-co-CTFE)-g-POEM copolymer was confirmed by fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR). The hydrophilicty of grafted membrane increased with increasing ingrafting of POEM as characterized by contact angle measurement. Transmission electronmicroscopy (TEM) study reveals the microphase separated morphology of P(VDF-co-CTFE)-g-POEM copolymer. Adhesion of gram-positive and negative bacteria and mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cell on the membrane surface were observed by SEM that showed the enhancement of bioinert properties with the increase in the POEM grafting. Bioinert properties were further confirmed by protein adsorption behavior.

Graphical abstract

KEYWORDS:

• ATRP
• protein
• fouling
• amphiphilic graft copolymer

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rajkumar Patel

Dr. Rajkumar Patel is working as an Assistant Professor at Energy & Environmental Science and Engineering (EESE), Integrated Science and Engineering Division (ISED), Underwood International College, Yonsei University, South Korea. His research interests include separation membranes, energy generation and storage, organic thermoelectric devices and biomaterials.

Madhumita Patel

Dr. Madhumita Patel is working as a Research Professor at Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Department in Yonsei University, South Korea. Her current research interest is 3D cell culture for neuron, adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation of tonsil derived stem cells by polypeptide thermogel.

Jung-Suk Sung

Prof. Jung-Suk Sung is a professor of Department of Life Sciences, Dongguk University, South Korea. His current research interests include the neuronal and osteogenic differentiations of stem cell.

Jong Hak Kim

Prof. Jong Hak Kim is a full professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Department in Yonsei University, South Korea. His current research interests include the design and synthesis of graft copolymers and their applications to gas separation membranes and polymer electrolyte for electrochemical devices.