Photograftable poloxamer modified PDMS surface for antibacterial applications

Zwitterionic polymer films have been fabricated for combating bacterial fouling on PDMS surface. However, zwitterionic polymers-based non-fouling surfaces are liable to be destroyed due to strong hydration. Herein, dimethacryloylated poloxamer 407 antifouling film was photografted onto the PDMS surface. Surface characterization demonstrated that grafted PM exhibited outstanding stretching resistance when pulled to 50% strain, and dynamic resistance to saline solution at 37°C for 10 days compared to the grafted zwitterionic film. Bacterial adhesion assays revealed that both zwitterionic and PM-modified surfaces exhibited superior antibacterial efficacy compared to pristine PDMS film. We believe that the poloxamer grafted films will be great potential for antifouling applications.