Surface modification of poly(oligoethylene oxide methacrylate) for resisting protein adsorption

We prepare poly(2-methoxyethyl-, 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl-, 2-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethyl methacrylate) (p(nEOMA), n = 1, 2, and 3) brushed surfaces with varying the polymer density by surface initiated polymerization. The amount of bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorbed on the surfaces is investigated. The mobility of the polymer chain in the polymer/water interfaces and the structure of adsorbed water on the surfaces are characterized by Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) and transmission-Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, respectively. This work reports the relationship between these surface properties and albumin adsorption. As a result, the surface having both a high molecular mobility and bulk-like water found to be very effective in preventing albumin adsorption.