A pH-responsive polyelectrolyte multilayer film with tunable interfacial properties. (1st February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jiang, Tao; Moghaddam, Saeed Zajforoushan; Thormann, Esben
• Is Part Of: Polymer. Volume 214(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-02-01
• Subjects: Polyelectrolyte multilayer -- Surface modification -- EDC/NHS cross-Linking -- pH-responsive film; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2020.123367
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3861

Abstract

Abstract: We report a facile and versatile approach to fabricate polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) films with a chemically modifiable outer surface. A PEM film was prepared by layer-by-layer assembly of poly (2-aminoethyl methacrylate) (PAMA) and polymethacrylic acid (PMAA), terminated with a partially tert-butyloxycarbonyl (Boc)-protected random copolymer (PAMA-co-PBocAMA) as the final layer. The obtained PEM film was then cross-linked and the free amino groups in the PEM film were quenched using EDC/NHS chemistry. The outer layer of the film was then treated via a deprotection reaction, affording free amino groups selectively located at the film surface. As a proof of concept study, these functional groups were used to modify the film surface with two model hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds, which tuned the wettability of the PEM. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Polyelectrolyte multilayer films with a chemically modifiable outer surface. Single component polyelectrolyte layer films obtained by a layer-by-layer approach. Hydrophobic and hydrophilic polyelectrolyte multilayer films. Surface functionalization of polyelectrolyte multilayer films.