Effect of Anionic Environment on the Hydration and Interfacial Properties of Poly(2-methoxyethyl Acrylate)

Poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA) is a well-known biocompatible polymer exhibiting excellent blood compatibility. This outstanding biocompatibility has been attributed to its unique hydration characteristics, particularly the formation of intermediate water at the polymer-water interface. In our previous study, we demonstrated that the hydration behavior of PSt-block-PMEA was significantly influenced by the surrounding anionic environment, suggesting that specific anions modulate the hydration structure at the polymer interface. These findings imply that the interfacial physicochemical and biological properties of PMEA can be regulated through the surrounding ionic environment.
In this study, we systematically investigate the effects of different anionic environments on the hydration and interfacial properties of PMEA. The hydration state of PMEA is evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) using aqueous solutions containing various sodium salts with different anions. To characterize changes in the polymer interface, PMEA membranes are prepared, and their surface wettability, zeta potential, and protein adsorption are evaluated after exposure to different anionic environments. By correlating hydration behavior with interfacial physicochemical properties, we aim to elucidate the role of specific anions in regulating the polymer-water interface.
This study extends our previous findings by providing a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between anionic environments, hydration, and interfacial properties of PMEA. The results are expected to provide fundamental insights into ion-mediated hydration phenomena at polymer interfaces and contribute to the molecular design of next-generation biocompatible polymeric materials with tunable interfacial functions.