In this paper, we will describe a strategy to minimize biofouling on ultrafiltration membranes by coating the membrane surfaces with a new type of responsive zwitterionic polymer. The effectiveness of this new chemistry will be demonstrated with data collected from bacterial deposition and membrane biofouling experiments using appropriate model systems. Bacteria deposition studies showed that the new chemistry performed better than other common anti-fouling chemistries. Biofilm studies showed that polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration membranes coated with the new chemistry accumulated half the biomass volume as unmodified membranes. A unique feature of this new polymer coating is that it can switch reversibly between the anti-fouling, zwitterion mode and an anti-microbial, quaternary amine mode. We will explain the chemical switching mechanism and present FTIR data to demonstrate the reversible switching of the polymer coating between its anti-fouling and anti-microbial states. We also will illustrate that by slightly altering the chemistry, it is possible to adjust the pH at which the switching occurs. Biofilm studies showed that PES membranes coated with the new chemistry in the anti-microbial mode killed more bacteria than PES membranes coated with a common, non-switchable zwitterionic polymer.

Switchable zwitterionic membrane surface chemistry for biofouling control

255th National Meeting (2018)

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