Surfactant-Induced Polymer Segregation To Produce Antifouling Surfaces via Dip-Coating with an Amphiphilic Polymer

Abstract

We propose a rational strategy to control the surface segregation of an amphiphilic copolymer in its dip-coating with a low-molecular-weight surfactant. We synthesized a water-insoluble methacrylate-based copolymer containing oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) (copolymer 1) and a perfluoroalkylated surfactant (surfactant 1) containing OEG. The dip-coating of copolymer 1 with surfactant 1 resulted in the segregation of surfactant 1 on the top surface of the dip-coated layer due to the high hydrophobicity of its perfluoroalkyl group. OEG moieties of surfactant 1 were accompanied by those of copolymer 1 in its segregation, allowing the OEG moieties of copolymer 1 to be located just below the top surface of the dip-coated layer. The removal of surfactant 1 produced the surface covered by the OEG moieties of the copolymer that exhibited antifouling properties. Using this strategy, we also succeeded in the introduction of carboxy groups on the dip-coated surface and demonstrated that the carboxy groups were available for the immobilization of functional molecules on the surface.

Electrospun polymeric short microfibers with surface-selective functionalization

“…We investigated the surface-selective functionalization of short microfibers using fluorophore-labeled proteins (Short microfiber 1). The glycidyl groups in poly(MMA-GMA) can react with the amino groups in proteins and the hydrophobicity of a PMMA-based surface helps adsorption of proteins to its surface [37]. As shown in Fig.…”

Surface segregation of polydimethylsiloxane-polyether block copolymers in coatings driven by molecular architecture

“…PEO length can be used to further fine-tune surface enrichment via a slight change in compatibility as the polar block size is adjusted. Interactions between the block copolymer and coating matrix are directly regulated by the polyether block [90]. Exchanging the PEO segment with more apolar PPO units therefore changes the overall compatibility of the surfactant and allows for further direction of the extent of surface segregation.…”

Covalent immobilization of gold nanoparticles on a plastic substrate and subsequent immobilization of biomolecules

“…We have previously reported an approach based on functionalization with amino and carboxy groups at the outermost surface of a plastic substrate by dip-coating with a functional polymer. [36][37][38] This method allowed control of the surface density of these functional groups on the substrate and was applicable to a variety of plastic substrates. In the present study, we aimed to establish a simple approach for stably immobilizing AuNPs on a surface of a transparent plastic substrate at a controlled density.…”