Specifically-adsorbed bottlebrush coatings are found in nature as brush-like glycoproteins that decorate biointerfaces and provide anti-fouling, lubrication, or wear-protection. Although various synthetic strategies have been developed to mimic glycoprotein structure and function, the use of these mimics is still limited because of the current lack of understanding of their adsorption behavior and surface conformation. Here, we examine the adsorption behavior of PEG-based, biotinylated bottlebrushes with different backbone and bristle lengths to streptavidin model surfaces in PBS. By using QCM, LSPR, and AFM, we learn how bottlebrush dimensions impact their adsorption kinetics, surface conformation, mechanical properties, and anti-fouling properties. Our bottlebrushes qualitatively mirror the adsorption behavior of linear polymers and exhibit three kinetic regimes of adsorption: (I) a transport-limited regime, (II) a pause, and (III) a penetration-limited regime. Furthermore, we find that bristle length more dramatically affects brush properties than backbone length. Generally, larger bottlebrush dimensions lead to reduced molar adsorption, retarded kinetics, weaker anti-fouling, and softer brush coatings. Longer bristles also lead to less mass adsorption, while the opposite trend is observed for increasing backbone length. In summary, our findings aid the rational design of new bottlebrush coatings by elucidating how their dimensions impact adsorption, surface conformation, and the properties of the final coating.

<i>Grafting to</i> of bottlebrush polymers: Conformation and kinetics

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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Grafting to of bottlebrush polymers: Conformation and kinetics