The surface hydrophobicity of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) can limit its use in biomaterials due to the significant adsorption of biological components. Several strategies to improve the hydrophilicity of PDMS are often compromised by hydrophobic recovery. We report controlled surface modification by the introduction of thiol groups onto PDMS surfaces and then modification of the surface by thiol-ene click reactions, and oxidation. The PDMS surface was first functionalized with thiol groups by base-catalyzed equilibrium treatment with HS(CH2)3Si(OR)3. After maleic anhydride was introduced using thiol-ene click processes, a variety of surfactants and polymers were grafted via ester/amide formation. Residual thiols could be protected through oxidation, or undergo secondary reaction. The hydrophilicity of PDMS surface was improved. The ability of E. coli to adhere and propagate is affected by the nature of the surface, both with respect to hydrophilicity and the presence of different functional groups. These relationships will be discussed.

Surface modification on thiol-functionalized PDMS for potentially antibacterial biomaterials

245th National Meeting (2013)

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