Conjugation of mono-sulfobetaine to alkyne-PPX films via click reaction to reduce cell adhesion

A surface resisting protein adsorption and cell adhesion is highly desirable for many biomedical applications such as diagnostic devices, biosensors and blood-contacting devices. In this study, a surface conjugated with sulfobetaine molecules was fabricated via the click reaction for the anti-fouling purpose. An alkyne-containing substrate (Alkyne-PPX) was generated by chemical vapor deposition of 4-ethynyl-[2,2]paracyclophane. Azide-ended mono-sulfobetaine molecules were synthesized and then conjugated on Alkyne-PPX via the click reaction. The protein adsorption from 10% serum was reduced by 57%, while the attachment of L929 cells was reduced by 83% onto the sulfobetaine-PPX surface compared to the protein adsorption and cell adhesion on Alkyne-PPX. In conclusion, we demonstrate that conjugation of mono-sulfobetaine molecules via the click chemistry is an effective way for reduction of non-specific protein adsorption and cell attachment.