Copolymer coatings consisting of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine and 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane via ATRP to improve cellulose biocompatibility.

AB diblock copolymers comprised of poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) and poly(3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane) (PMTSi) segments, which are used for biocompatible coatings, were investigated. Block copolymers with various compositions were synthesized by atomic transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The obtained copolymers were dissolved in an ethanol solution, and dynamic light scattering showed that all block copolymers were capable of existing as micelles. After a convenient "one-step" reaction, the cellulose membranes could be covalently modified by these copolymers with stable chemical bonds (C-O-Si and Si-O-Si). Block copolymers with different PMPC chain length were applied to surface modification to find the most suitable copolymer. The functional MPC density can be controlled by adjusting the ratio of the two monomers (MPC and MTSi), which also affect surface properties, including the surface contact angle, surface morphology, and number of functional PC groups. The low-fouling properties were measured by protein adsorption, platelet adhesion and activation, and cell adhesion. Protein adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA), fibrinogen, and human plasma were also tested and a moderate monomer composite was attained. The protein adsorption behavior on the novel interfaces depends both on MPC density and PMPC chain length. Platelet adhesion and activation were reduced on all the modified surfaces. The adhesion of Human Embryonic Kidney 293 (293T) cells on the coated surfaces also decreased.