ABC Triblock Copolymers Antibacterial Materials Consisting of Fluoropolymer and Polyethylene Glycol Antifouling Block and Quaternary Ammonium Salt Sterilization Block

Due to their various applications in human healthcare and industrial fields, engineering surfaces with antiadhesion and antibacteria properties is still a challenging task. In this work, the fluoropolymer with low surface energy and poly(poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (PEGMA) with electrostatic repulsion and interfacial hydration was chosen as a common antiadhesion block and quaternary ammonium salt with bactericide properties as a sterilization block. The triblock copolymers of poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-b-poly(poly(oligo ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate)-b- poly(dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA-b-PEGMA-b-PDFHMA) were synthesized by the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization method. Then, the synthesized triblock copolymers were quaternized to obtain the antibacterial materials (QPDMAEMA-b-PEGMA-b-PDFHMA). It has been found that the QPDMAEMA-b-PEGMA-b-PDFHMA triblock copolymer coating has excellent antiadhesion and antibacterial properties against S. aureus and E. coli. The synergistic effects of fluoropolymer and PEGMA can enhance the antifouling properties of the coating. At the same time, it has a good antifouling effect on platelets and red blood cells. In addition, the triblock copolymer coating has long-term stability in high ionic strength solution of PBS in dynamic conditions. These kind of materials with antifouling and antibacterial properties may have potential applications on the surface of various public utilities and medical equipment.

Automated summary

By synthesizing triblock copolymers with antiadhesion and antibacterial properties, it was discovered that the synergistic effects of fluoropolymer and PEGMA can enhance the antifouling properties of the coating, showing significant inhibitory effects on bacteria and blood cells, with strong long-term stability.