Conformation of Polyethylene Glycol inside Confined Space: Simulation and Experimental Approaches.

Nicolas Arroyo,Fabien Picaud,Jean Marc Janot,Tianji Ma,Sebastien Balme

doi:10.3390/nano11010244

Abstract

The modification of the inner nanopore wall by polymers is currently used to change the specific properties of the nanosystem. Among them, the polyethylene glycol (PEG) is the most used to prevent the fouling and ensure the wettability. However, its properties depend mainly on the chain structure that is very difficult to estimate inside this confined space. Combining experimental and simulation approaches, we provide an insight to the consequence of the PEG presence inside the nanopore on the nanopore properties. We show, in particular, that the cation type in the electrolyte, together with the type of electrolyte (water or urea), is at the origin of the ion transport modification in the nanopore.

Highlights

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a hydrophilic polymer that is commonly used for surface treatment [1]
The conical nanopores were obtained by track-etched technique following the elec3.1
The conical nanopores were obtained dimension by track-etched technique following thecan elecdirectly obtained from the conductance (G) as a function of the salt concentration

Summary

Introduction

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a hydrophilic polymer that is commonly used for surface treatment [1]. It allows to ensure the surface wettability and the protection against corrosion [2,3]. PEG is one useful way to provide antifouling properties of a membrane [7]. It prevents the deposition of biomacromolecule as well as biofilm [8,9]. The brush conformation induced by a high density of grafting is the most efficient configuration to prevent the protein adsorption. The Flory’s law allows calculating the polymer radius under good solvent condition since the surface density is weak

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Conclusion