Protein-Resistant Amphiphilic Copolymers Containing Fluorosiloxane Side Chains with Controllable Length

Abstract

Molecular-scale compositional heterogeneities can slash the nonspecific interaction between proteins and surfaces, resisting surface contamination. In this work, an amphiphilic copolymer containing a soft fluorosilicone macromonomer with controllable chain length as low-surface-energy hydrophobic component and a zwitterionic monomer as hydrophilic component was prepared to establish molecular-scale compositional heterogeneities. The length of the fluorosiloxane side chains can significantly impact the surface compositional heterogeneities, thus influencing the antifouling performance of the copolymer coatings. Even under water, the coating still retains a large number of low-surface-energy fluorosilicone segments on the surface. The balance between hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments on the surface provides a better synergistic effect, which endows the copolymer coatings with excellent resistance to various proteins.

Research Progress on New Environmentally Friendly Antifouling Coatings in Marine Settings: A Review

“…In addition, the fouling release ability of low-surface-energy materials can be effectively improved by grafting functional groups, such as amphiphiles, PEGs and quaternary ammonium salts, on PDMS or by preparing fluorosilicone co-modified materials. Wang et al [ 30 ] designed an amphiphilic copolymer with fluorosilicone macromonomers as hydrophobic soft-side chains and amphiphiles as hydrophilic hard-side chains ( Figure 6 ). The results showed that the coating retained plenty of low-surface-energy fluorosilicone segments on the surface even underwater, giving full play to the synergistic effect of the amphiphilic polymer while exhibiting excellent resistance to various proteins.…”

“…Figure 6. Antifouling mechanism of amphiphilic copolymers[30] with permission (Copyright © 2023, American Chemical Society).…”

Sustainable Coating Based on Zwitterionic Functionalized Polyurushiol with Antifouling and Antibacterial Properties

“…A crucial initial step in macrofouling is the successful adsorption of organic compounds, such as proteins, polysaccharides, and nucleic acids, onto underwater substrates. Hydrophilic antifouling coatings operate by capitalizing on the inhibitory effect of the surface hydration layer on the adsorption of organic macromolecules, which discourages subsequent attachment by fouling organisms [38]. Consequently, evaluating the anti-protein-adsorption capacity of antifouling coatings is essential for assessing their fouling resistance.…”

Integration of Antifouling and Anti-Cavitation Coatings on Propellers: A Review

“…Additionally, it demonstrates certain capabilities for releasing dirt. The research team led by Professor Lingmin Yi at Zhejiang University of Technology [47] developed an amphiphilic polymer. This polymer is composed of a flexible fluorosilicon macromonomer, which serves as the hydrophobic component with a low surface energy, and an amphiphilic monomer, which acts as the hydrophilic component.…”

“…This agent was prepared by utilizing polycaprolactone-based (PCL) polyurethane as a carrier, enabling a gradual and regulated release of the antifouling agent due to the biodegradable properties of the resin. The experimental results, depicted in Figure 5B, demonstrated that the developed agent exhibited a certain level of antifouling efficacy against larvae of ma- [51]; (B) Antifouling mechanism of amphiphilic copolymer [47] with permission (Copyright © 2023, American Chemical Society).…”