Pattern Formation in Ultrathin Films of a Novel Dimethylsiloxane−Acrylate Triblock Copolymer

Surface properties of PEO–silicone composites: reducing protein adsorption

Silicone-based polymers with reduced protein adsorption were successfully prepared by incorporating mono- or bifunctional poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) derivatives, respectively, into PDMS during rubber formation using classic room temperature vulcanization chemistry. Characterization of the films by water contact-angle measurements and XPS showed that the PEO was present on the film surface, with greater amounts of PEO at the interface modified with monofunctional PEO. Scanning electron microscopy showed the PEO domains segregated into regular zigzag patterns on the PEO-modified surfaces. Significant reductions in the adsorption of fibrinogen, albumin and lysozyme were observed on both PEO-modified surfaces, although the monofunctional PEO surfaces performed much better in this regard. The reductions in protein adsorption were comparable for all three proteins on both surfaces, suggesting that molecular mass of the protein is not a significant factor in determining the magnitude of protein deposition. Western blot studies showed that the adsorption of proteins from plasma to the monofunctional PEO-modified surfaces was also significantly reduced and surprisingly selective, with very few bands noted relative to the control surfaces and those modified with bifunctional PEO.

Diverse access to artificial superhydrophobic surfaces using block copolymers

The creation of an artificial superhydrophobic surface with micro- and nanostructures has been demonstrated using a block copolymer micelle solution and silica nanoparticles. The unique technique of a nanoparticle-supported micelle stabilization together with changes in the solvent power guarantees the precise morphology control of certain block copolymer-mediated surfaces. The approaches presented here provide a new strategy for the fabrication of a wettability-controlled organic-inorganic hybrid or organic coatings.