Synthesis and characterization of biocompatible copolymers containing plant-based cardanol and zwitterionic groups for antifouling and bactericidal coating applications

A series of copolymers (PSH#s, where # is the molar content (%) of (dimethylamino)ethylmethacrylate (DMAEMA) and sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA)) containing both plant-based cardanol and zwitterionic moieties was synthesized via free radical polymerization of 2-hydroxy-3-cardanylpropyl methacrylate (HCPM) and DMAEMA, followed by betainisation with 1,3-propanesultone. Transparent PSH# films could be prepared on the silicon wafers through spin-coating and UV-crosslinking processes. The bactericidal and antifouling properties of the polymer films were found to be closely related to the ratio of the HCPM and SBMA moieties in the copolymers. The films having a larger content of the bactericidal HCPM moiety show better bactericidal properties, while those having a larger content of the hydrophilic SBMA moiety show enhanced adhesion resistance to biofoulants. Moreover, all the films having both HCPM and SBMA moieties have sufficient biocompatibility, regardless of their ratio.