Nonleaching Diblock Polymer Brushes for Antibacterial and Antifouling Surfaces via Surface-Segregating Initiator
발표자
양승원 (한국과학기술연구원)
연구책임자
정윤기 (한국과학기술연구원)
초록
내용
Thrombosis, biofilm formation, and poor biocompatibility remain key obstacles in the development of implantable biomedical devices. Surface modification using polymer brushes is a promising strategy to address these challenges. Zwitterionic polymer brushes offer antifouling properties by forming a hydration layer, but their long-term use is limited by insufficient antibacterial activity and potential leaching. To overcome this, we developed a dual-functional polymer brush with antifouling, antibacterial, and nonleaching properties. The brushes were grafted onto polyurethane via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) using a surface-segregating initiator (SSI). Modified surfaces were analyzed by XPS, WCA, and AFM, and biological properties, including platelet adhesion, antibacterial effect, and cytotoxicity, were evaluated. This approach presents a promising surface engineering strategy to enhance the safety and durability of implantable biomedical devices.