Surface-attached poly(phosphoester)-hydrogels with benzophenone groups. Issue 3 (19th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Becker, Greta; Deng, Zhuoling; Zober, Maria; Wagner, Manfred; Lienkamp, Karen; Wurm, Frederik R.
• Is Part Of: Polymer chemistry. Volume 9:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 315
• Page End: 326
• Publication Date: 2017-12-19
• Subjects: Polymers -- Periodicals; Macromolecules -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1039/c7py01777d
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1759-9954

Abstract

Abstract : Photo-reactive poly(phosphoester)s (PPEs) forming surface-attached PPE-networks and hydrogels are presented. Abstract : Photo-reactive poly(phosphoester)s (PPEs) forming surface-attached PPE-networks and hydrogels are presented. These contain benzophenone groups, which can photochemically cross-link polymer films via a C, H-insertion cross-linking (CHiC) reaction. To make the target polymers, a benzophenone-functionalized cyclic phosphate monomer was synthesized and copolymerized with ethylene ethyl phosphate (EEP). Polymerization with EEP and further cyclic phosphates gave terpolymers with additional chemical functionality ( e.g. furfuryl or alkene groups). The resulting PPE copolymers and terpolymers were water-soluble and UV-reactive. Copolymerization kinetics of up to three different comonomers were studied by real-time 31 P NMR, indicating a gradient-like structure of the copolymers and terpolymers. Cross-linked, surface-attached PPE-networks were formed by spin-coating these polymers onto pre-functionalized substrates, followed by UV irradiation. The resulting surface-attached polymer networks were smooth and hydrophilic (static contact angles of 20–26°). Since PPEs are biocompatible, these networks might be potential anti-fouling coatings for biomedical devices as implants or catheters. The furan and alkenyl groups in two of the terpolymers present a selectively addressable chemical function to further tune the surface properties of PPE-films.