Biofouling is a persistent problem for membranes exposed to blood or other bodily fluids, affecting membrane surface structure and hindering performance. In this study, we demonstrate that polysulfone (PSU) membranes that are grafted with methoxyethyl (NMEG) peptoids resist nonspecific protein adsorption. NMEG was attached to surface via polydopamine (PDA) and the modified surfaces were characterized to determine grafting density, contact angle, strength, pore size, and smoothness. The long-term stability of the peptoid coating was confirmed over six months. Peptoid-grafted PSU has increased hydrophilicity compared to unmodified PSU and comparable mechanical stability. The membranes were shown to resist biofouling using single proteins (bovine serum albumin, lysozyme and fibrinogen) and water flux was shown to decrease slightly. Additionally, the effect of side chain length and grafting density on protein adsorption was evaluated. It was determined that there is an optimal grafting density for reduction of protein adsorption, which was dependent on the length of the peptoid. These studies provides a convenient strategy to improve antifouling, hydrophilicity and hemocompatibility of PSU membranes for use in biomedical and blood-contacting applications.

Peptoid grafting on polysulfone membrane to increase antifouling characteristics: Effect of grafting density and chain length

255th National Meeting (2018)

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