A bio-inert and thermostable zwitterionic copolymer for the surface modification of PVDF membranes

This study explores the antifouling properties of membranes dip-coated with a copolymer formed by zwitterionization of poly(styrene-r-4-vinylpyridine), zP(S-r-4VP). 3 copolymers having a different chain length were produced. The NMR analysis showed that the styrene/4-vinylpyridine molar ratio was co...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of membrane science 2020-03, Vol.598, p.117655, Article 117655
Main Authors: Tang, Shuo-Hsi, Venault, Antoine, Hsieh, Chun, Dizon, Gian Vincent, Lo, Chen-Tsyr, Chang, Yung
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antifouling
PVDF membrane
Surface modification
Thermostable coating
Zwitterionic copolymer
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Summary:This study explores the antifouling properties of membranes dip-coated with a copolymer formed by zwitterionization of poly(styrene-r-4-vinylpyridine), zP(S-r-4VP). 3 copolymers having a different chain length were produced. The NMR analysis showed that the styrene/4-vinylpyridine molar ratio was controlled to 64/36, while XPS tests revealed that the zwitterionization degree ranged between 70% and 80%. Physicochemical evidence was collected proving the efficient coating of zP(S-r-4VP), which in turn provided the membranes with excellent resistance to protein (90% reduction), bacteria (98% reduction) and cells from whole blood (98% reduction) in static condition. Besides, a flux recovery ratio of 50% was obtained after BSA/water cyclic filtration while it was as low as 19% with a commercial hydrophilic membrane in similar conditions. Notably, and unlike with poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) coatings (PSBMA), steam-sterilization of zP(S-r-4VP)-coated membranes does not alter the antifouling capability of membranes. This novel copolymer not only competes with traditional PSBMA, but outperforms it when sterilization is required, which can be a serious advantage in biomedical applications of membranes. [Display omitted] •A thermostable zwitterionic copolymer is synthesized and characterized.•Zwitterionic PVDF membranes are prepared and fully characterized.•Membranes display high resistance to biofouling in versatile situations.•Membranes retain their anti-biofouling properties after sterilization.•The zwitterionic membranes outperform commercial one during filtration.
ISSN:0376-7388
1873-3123
DOI:10.1016/j.memsci.2019.117655