Branched polyglycidol and its derivatives grafted-from poly(ethylene terephthalate) and silica as surfaces that reduce protein fouling

Hyperbranched polyglycidol-coated silica or poly(ethylene terephthalate) surfaces were obtained as materials with reduced protein adsorption properties. To perform polymer grafting, the wafers were first functionalized: silica (Si) with 3-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]propyltriethoxysilane, and plasma treatment was applied for poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET). The grafting-from method, using initiation of the anionic-ring opening polymerization of glycidol by the deprotonated alkoxide groups located on the wafers, was applied to immobilize the polymer on these two kinds of wafers. The grafting-from reactions carried out in solution allowed high molar masses of the tethered polyglycidol to be obtained. The polymerization was performed in the presence of a free initiator; thus, the information about molar mass and the structure of grafted polymers was estimated. The hydroxyl groups of Si-immobilized polyglycidol were modified with hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) or hydrophobic ethyl carbamate groups. The affinity of the polymer layers to water was controlled by the grafting density and type of polymer modification applied. All hyperbranched polyglycidol-based surfaces were able to reduce the protein adsorption to a high level.