Reversibly Charge-Switching Polyzwitterionic/Polycationic Coatings for Biomedical Applications: Optimizing the Molecular Structure for Improved Stability.

ABSTRACT: Materials that can be switched between a polycationic/antimicrobial and a polyzwitterionic/protein-repellent state have important applications, e.g., as biofilm-reducing coatings in medical devices. However, the lack of stability under storage and application conditions so far restricts the lifetime and efficiency of such materials. In this work, a polynorbornene-based polycarboxybetaine with an optimized molecular structure for improved hydrolytic stability is presented. The polymer is fully characterized on the molecular level. Surface-attached polymer networks are obtained by spin-coating and UV cross-linking. These coatings are highly uniform and demonstrate charge-switching in zeta-potential studies. Storage stability in the dry state, as well as in aqueous systems at pH 4.5 and 7.4 f

SUBMITTER: Schneider SHE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11924213 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature