Amphiphilic Polyphosphonate Copolymers as New Additives for PDMS-Based Antifouling Coatings

Rubber-like and Antifouling Poly(trimethylene carbonate-ethylphosphonate) Copolymers with Tunable Hydrolysis

Controlling the degradation and cell interaction of polymer materials is vital for numerous applications. Transitioning from enzymatic to nonenzymatic hydrolysis offers precise control over degradation processes. In this study, we synthesized high molar mass poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC)-polyphosphonate copolymers to achieve distinctive antifouling and controlled degradation properties. 2-Ethyl-2-oxo-1,3,2-dioxaphospholane (EtPPn) is copolymerized with trimethylene carbonate (TMC) to random P(TMC-co-EtPPn) copolymers through ring-opening copolymerization, utilizing Sn(Oct)2 as the catalyst. Copolymers with molar masses reaching up to Mn = 218 kg/mol and molar mass dispersities of D̵ < 1.9 are obtained. To maintain hydrophobicity, 10 and 20 mol % of hydrophilic phosphonate units are incorporated into PTMC-copolymers. While copolymers with 10 mol % EtPPn display mechanical properties akin to the homopolymer PTMC, a deviation in elongation at break and yield strength results when 20 mol % EtPPN is incorporated. PTMC-PPE copolymers demonstrate antifouling behavior, i.e., cell repulsion for human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and inhibited enzymatic degradation by lipase in contrast to PTMC-homopolymers. Conversely, P(TMC-co-EtPPn) undergo abiotic hydrolytic degradation with hydrolysis rates increasing with increasing phosphonate contents. In conclusion, copolymerization with EtPPn enables the switch from enzymatic PTMC degradation to adjustable hydrolytic degradation, offering controlled stabilities of such copolymers in the desired applications.

Interrupting marine fouling with active buffered coatings

Biofouling on marine surfaces causes immense material and financial harm for maritime vessels and related marine industries. Previous reports have shown the effectiveness of amphiphilic coating systems based on poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) against such marine foulers. Recent studies on biofouling mechanisms have also demonstrated acidic microenvironments in biofilms and stronger adhesion at low-pH conditions. This report presents the design and utilization of amphiphilic polymer coatings with buffer functionalities as an active disruptor against four different marine foulers. Specifically, this study explores both neutral and zwitterionic buffer systems for marine coatings, offering insights into coating design. Overall, these buffer systems were found to improve foulant removal, and unexpectedly were the most effective against the diatom Navicula incerta.

Water-soluble polyphosphonate-based bottlebrush copolymers via aqueous ring-opening metathesis polymerization

Ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) is a versatile method for synthesizing complex macromolecules from various functional monomers. In this work, we report the synthesis of water-soluble and degradable bottlebrush polymers, based on polyphosphoesters (PPEs) via ROMP. First, PPE-macromonomers were synthesized via organocatalytic anionic ring-opening polymerization of 2-ethyl-2-oxo-1,3,2-dioxaphospholane using N-(hydroxyethyl)-cis-5-norbornene-exo-2,3-dicarboximide as the initiator and 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) as the catalyst. The resulting norbornene-based macromonomers had degrees of polymerization (DPn) ranging from 25 to 243 and narrow molar mass dispersity (Đ ≤ 1.10). Subsequently, these macromonomers were used in ROMP with the Grubbs 3rd-generation bispyridyl complex (Ru-G3) to produce a library of well-defined bottlebrush polymers. The ROMP was carried out either in dioxane or in aqueous conditions, resulting in well-defined and water-soluble bottlebrush PPEs. Furthermore, a two-step protocol was employed to synthesize double hydrophilic diblock bottlebrush copolymers via ROMP in water at neutral pH-values. This general protocol enabled the direct combination of PPEs with ROMP to synthesize well-defined bottlebrush polymers and block copolymers in water. Degradation of the PPE side chains was proven resulting in low molar mass degradation products only. The biocompatible and biodegradable nature of PPEs makes this pathway promising for designing novel biomedical drug carriers or viscosity modifiers, as well as many other potential applications.

Nitroxide-Containing Amphiphilic Random Terpolymers for Marine Antifouling and Fouling-Release Coatings

Two types of amphiphilic random terpolymers, poly(ethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate)-ran-poly(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyloxy methacrylate)-ran-poly(polydimethyl siloxane methacrylate) (PEGMEMA-r-PTMA-r-PDMSMA), were synthesized and evaluated for antifouling (AF) and fouling-release (FR) properties using diverse marine fouling organisms. In the first stage of production, the two respective precursor amine terpolymers containing (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl methacrylate) units (PEGMEMA-r-PTMPM-r-PDMSMA) were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization using various comonomer ratios and two initiators: alkyl halide and fluoroalkyl halide. In the second stage, these were selectively oxidized to introduce nitroxide radical functionalities. Finally, the terpolymers were incorporated into a PDMS host matrix to create coatings. AF and FR properties were examined using the alga Ulva linza, the barnacle Balanus improvisus, and the tubeworm Ficopomatus enigmaticus. The effects of comonomer ratios on surface properties and fouling assay results for each set of coatings are discussed in detail. There were marked differences in the effectiveness of these systems against the different fouling organisms. The terpolymers had distinct advantages over monopolymeric systems across the different organisms, and the nonfluorinated PEG and nitroxide combination was identified as the most effective formulation against B. improvisus and F. enigmaticus.

Posidonia oceanica (L.) (Delile, 1813) extracts as a potential booster biocide in fouling-release coatings

Since the banning of tributyltin, the addition of inorganic (metal oxides) and organic (pesticides, herbicides) biocides in antifouling paint has represented an unavoidable step to counteract biofouling and the resulting biodeterioration of submerged surfaces. Therefore, the development of new methods that balance antifouling efficacy with environmental impact has become a topic of great importance. Among several proposed strategies, natural extracts may represent one of the most suitable alternatives to the widely used toxic biocides. Posidonia oceanica is one of the most representative organisms of the Mediterranean Sea and contains hundreds of bioactive compounds. In this study, we prepared, characterized, and assessed a hydroalcoholic extract of P. oceanica and then compared it to three model species. Together, these four species belong to relevant groups of biofoulers: bacteria (Aliivibrio fischeri), diatoms (Phaeodactylum tricornutum), and serpulid polychaetes (Ficopomatus enigmaticus). We also added the same P. oceanica extract to a PDMS-based coating formula. We tested this coating agent with Navicula salinicola and Ficopomatus enigmaticus to evaluate both its biocidal performance and its antifouling properties. Our results indicate that our P. oceanica extract provides suitable levels of protection against all the tested organisms and significantly reduces adhesion of N. salinicola cells and facilitates their release in low-intensity waterflows.

Polyethylene Glycol-b-poly(trialkylsilyl methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate) Hydrolyzable Block Copolymers for Eco-Friendly Self-Polishing Marine Coatings

Hydrolyzable block copolymers consisting of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) first block and a random poly(trialkylsilyl methacrylate (TRSiMA, R = butyl, isopropyl)-co-methyl methacrylate (MMA)) second block were synthesized by RAFT polymerization. Two PEGs with different molar masses (M_n = 750 g/mol (PEG1) and 2200 g/mol (PEG2)) were used as macro-chain transfer agents and the polymerization conditions were set in order to obtain copolymers with a comparable mole content of trialkylsilyl methacrylate (~30 mole%) and two different PEG mole percentages of 10 and 30 mole%. The hydrolysis rates of PEG-b-(TRSiMA-co-MMA) in a THF/basic (pH = 10) water solution were shown to drastically depend on the nature of the trialkylsilyl groups and the mole content of the PEG block. Films of selected copolymers were also found to undergo hydrolysis in artificial seawater (ASW), with tunable erosion kinetics that were modulated by varying the copolymer design. Measurements of the advancing and receding contact angles of water as a function of the immersion time in the ASW confirmed the ability of the copolymer film surfaces to respond to the water environment as a result of two different mechanisms: (i) the hydrolysis of the silylester groups that prevailed in TBSiMA-based copolymers; and (ii) a major surface exposure of hydrophilic PEG chains that was predominant for TPSiMA-based copolymers. AFM analysis revealed that the surface nano-roughness increased upon immersion in ASW. The erosion of copolymer film surfaces resulted in a self-polishing, antifouling behavior against the diatom Navicula salinicola. The amount of settled diatoms depended on the hydrolysis rate of the copolymers.

Fabrication of Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Chitosan Composite Films Strengthened with Titanium Dioxide and Polyphosphonate Additives for Packaging Applications

Eco-innovation through the development of intelligent materials for food packaging is evolving, and it still has huge potential to improve food product safety, quality, and control. The design of such materials by the combination of biodegradable semi-synthetic polymers with natural ones and with some additives, which may improve certain functionalities in the targeted material, is continuing to attract attention of researchers. To fabricate composite films via casting from solution, followed by drying in atmospheric conditions, certain mass ratios of poly(vinyl alcohol) and chitosan were used as polymeric matrix, whereas TiO2 nanoparticles and a polyphosphonate were used as reinforcing additives. The structural confirmation, surface properties, swelling behavior, and morphology of the xerogel composite films have been studied. The results confirmed the presence of all ingredients in the prepared fabrics, the contact angle of the formulation containing poly(vinyl alcohol), chitosan, and titanium dioxide in its composition exhibited the smallest value (87.67°), whereas the profilometry and scanning electron microscopy enlightened the good dispersion of the ingredients and the quality of all the composite films. Antimicrobial assay established successful antimicrobial potential of the poly(vinyl alcoohol)/chitosan-reinforced composites films against Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. Cytotoxicity tests have revealed that the studied films are non-toxic, presented good compatibility, and they are attractive candidates for packaging applications.

A circular dichroism study of the protective role of polyphosphoesters polymer chains in polyphosphoester-myoglobin conjugates

Protein‐polymer conjugates are a blooming class of hybrid systems with high biomedical potential. Despite a plethora of papers on their biomedical properties, the physical–chemical characterization of many protein‐polymer conjugates is missing. Here, we evaluated the thermal stability of a set of fully‐degradable polyphosphoester‐protein conjugates by variable temperature circular dichroism, a common but powerful technique. We extensively describe their thermodynamic stability in different environments (in physiological buffer or in presence of chemical denaturants, e.g., acid or urea), highlighting the protective role of the polymer in preserving the protein from denaturation. For the first time, we propose a simple but effective protocol to achieve useful information on these systems in vitro, useful to screen new samples in their early stages.

Blood Compatibility of Hydrophilic Polyphosphoesters

Polyphosphoesters (PPEs) are a class of versatile degradable polymers. Despite the high potential of this class of polymers in biomedical applications, little is known about their blood interaction and compatibility. We evaluated the hemocompatibility of water-soluble PPEs (with different hydrophilicities and molar masses) and PPE-coated model nanocarriers. Overall, we identified high hemocompatibility of PPEs, comparable to poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), currently used for many applications in nanomedicine. Hydrophilic PPEs caused no significant changes in blood coagulation, negligible platelet activation, the absence of red blood cells lysis, or aggregation. However, when a more hydrophobic copolymer was studied, some changes in the whole blood clot strength at the highest concentration were detected, but only concentrations above that are typically used for biomedical applications. Also, the PPE-coated model nanocarriers showed high hemocompatibility. These results contribute to defining hydrophilic PPEs as a promising platform for degradable and biocompatible materials in the biomedical field.