The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Preventing adhesion of nonspecific proteins, cells, and bacteria on medical devices is essential for maintaining their performance. In zwitterionic molecules, shorter intramolecular charge distances enhance charge compensation, leading to stronger water binding and more stable hydration layers. Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) shows exceptional hydration due to its closely adjacent positive and negative charges without a hydrocarbon spacer. Inspired by TMAO, four structurally distinct N-oxide monomers were synthesized, and polymer brush coatings were prepared via surface-initiated ARGET ATRP. The coatings exhibited excellent hydration capacity, as confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry, and demonstrated outstanding antifouling performance against representative pathogens and platelet adhesion. These results establish a clear correlation between interfacial hydration and antifouling efficacy, highlighting N-oxide polymer brushes as promising next-generation antifouling coatings.