As we know, membrane fouling, i.e., adsorption and deposition of proteins, cells, colloids and other fouling particles on membrane surface and in membrane pores, leads to decline of flux, deterioration of membrane performance and shortening lifetime of the membrane. This happens for membrane processes in both biomedical and water treatment applications. Surface modification of membranes with anti-fouling polymers has been proven to be efficient in preventing non-specific adsorption and reducing membrane fouling. Among those polymer modifiers, zwitterionic polymers are reported to be extremely efficient in fouling resisting and have been recognized as a new generation of non-fouling material. On the other hand, in recent years �click� chemistry attracted extensive interests as an eco-friendly surface modification method and possesses advantages such as can be conducted in water, highly selective, quick and quantitative.In this study, we develop methods to graft zwitterionic polymer onto silicon and polysulfone (PSf) membranes surface by �click� chemistry. First, halogen (Br or Cl) was introduced to membrane surface and then converted to azide group. Alkyne-terminated poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (polySBMA) was then grafted to membrane surface by �click� chemistry. FTIR-ATR, XPS and contact angle measurements were employed to confirm modification steps and attaching of polySBMA. After grafting of zwitterionic polymer, adsorption of proteins, alginate and humic acid and adhesion of bacteria onto membrane surface were greatly suppressed. Whole blood contact experiments also indicates that polyZW modified membrane has excellent antithrombotic property.

Zwitterionic polymer grafted antifouling membranes via �click� chemistry

248th National Meeting (2014)

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