Surface-Adaptive Anti-Biofouling Coatings Based on Amphiphilic P(OEGMA-co-AEMA) Copolymers: Synthesis, Characterization, and Performance Evaluation

Biofouling, the undesired accumulation of microorganisms on surfaces exposed to aqueous environments, is primarily driven by bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. It presents a significant challenge in various fields, especially in biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, wound healing, and medical devices. To develop effective antifouling solutions, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms underlying biological attachment. For example, surface properties, such as hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance and texture, play a key role in avoiding the formation of biofilms that facilitate the incorporation of other microorganisms. While current antifouling strategies are generally effective on hydrophilic surfaces, they often exhibit reduced efficacy on hydrophobic ones due to limited surface interactions. Here, we propose the use of amphiphilic random copolymers, which combine both hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments, as a promising solution for adapting to different surface types. In particular, this study explores the use of amphiphilic poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate-co-(2-acetoacetoxy ethyl methacrylate) (P(OEGMA-co-AEMA)) copolymers as adaptive coatings to prevent biofouling. Chemical characterization using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) confirmed the successful synthesis of the copolymers. Additionally, their ability to form antifouling layers on both hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces was evaluated using advanced techniques such as atomic force microscopy and ellipsometry. Bacterial adhesion experiments demonstrated an 80% reduction in biofouling, highlighting their potential for various biomedical applications such as medical device coatings.