Abstract
Fluorinated (F6) and zwitterionic, as well as phosphorylcholine (MPC) and sulfobetaine (MSA), copolymers containing a low amount (1 and 5 mol%) of 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (PTMSi) were prepared and covalently grafted to glass slides by using the trimethoxysilyl groups as anchorage points. Glass-surface functionalization and polymer-film stability upon immersion in water were proven by contact angle and angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AR-XPS) measurements. Antifouling performance of the grafted films was assayed against the yeast Candida albicans, the most common Candida species, which causes over 80% of candidiasis. Results revealed that the F6 fluorinated, hydrophobic copolymers performed much better in reducing the adhesion of C. albicans, with respect to both corresponding zwitterionic, hydrophilic MPC and MSA counterparts, and were similar to the glass negative control, which is well-known to inhibit the adhesion of C. albicans. A composition-dependent activity was also found, with the films of copolymer with 99 mol% F6 fluorinated co-units performing best.
Highlights
Biofouling is generally an undesirable phenomenon that involves the organic matter deposition and/or organism colonization of surfaces upon contact with biological fluids, freshwater or seawater [1,2].biofouling affects medical, industrial and marine fields, resulting in detriments to health and environment and increased operational costs [3,4,5]
Fluorinated copolymers p(F6-co-PTMSix) based on hydrophobic F6 counterpart were synthesized in anhydrous toluene solution at 70
Fluorinated (F6) and zwitterionic (MSA and MPC) copolymers containing low amounts of trimethoxysilyl groups were synthesized, and films therefrom were firmly anchored onto glass slides, for surface functionalization and chemical modification via a “grafting-to” reaction
Summary
Biofouling is generally an undesirable phenomenon that involves the organic matter deposition and/or organism colonization of surfaces upon contact with biological fluids, freshwater or seawater [1,2].biofouling affects medical, industrial and marine fields, resulting in detriments to health and environment and increased operational costs [3,4,5]. Biofilm-associated microorganisms are responsible for up to 80% of all microbial infections in humans [6,7]. Biofilms are linked to recurrent invasive infections that are difficult to eradicate because of their intrinsic resistance to antimicrobial treatments and host defense mechanisms and their excellent ability to adhere to biomaterials [8]. The increasing use of biomaterials and medical devices, such as catheters, stents, prostheses, contact lenses and implants, has led to a concomitant increase in the incidence of device-related infections, with the most common fungal infection due to Candida albicans [9,10]. Management of biofilm-associated Candida infections can be challenging due to the intrinsic drug-resistant phenotype
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