Title: Surface modification by polymeric nanolayers with lubricating and antifouling properties
Polymer layers of a few nanometers to a few tens of nanometers thickness are commonly used to control surface properties. Controlling surface properties is especially important in biomedical applications. In the presentation, synthesis by the RAFT method of random, gradient and diblock copolymers containing either poly(ethylene oxide) or phosphorylcholine segments providing lubricating and antifouling properties is disclosed and discussed. The copolymers also contained cationic units or catechol moieties responsible for attachment of the copolymers to surfaces of various origin. Adsorption dynamics, structure, stability and wear resistance of the adsorbed layers are discussed. Viability of the diblock copolymers containing blocks of poly(methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) and poly(dopamine methacrylamide) for surface modification with the aim to provide long-term lubricating and protein-repelling properties in aqueous environments is highlighted.
