(386c) First All-in-One Carboxybetaine Elastomer: the Impact of Structure On Its Elasticity, Switchability, Stability and Functionality

In this work, we developed a first all-in-one zwitterionic material, pCBMAA-1, bearing elasticity, switchable antimicrobial/antifouling properties, and stability. Zwitterionic materials have drawn special attention due to their outstanding antifouling properties; however conventional zwitterionic materials lack elasticity, stability and antimicrobial properties. We addressed these challenges using a single material. pCBMAA-1 hydrogel shows typical elastomeric stress-strain curves with low Young's modulus and high yield strain, in both tensile and compression test. About 65 % tensile strain and 85 % compressive strain were achieved. So far, no elastic zwitterionic material has been reported due to its high water solubility and high water content. pCBMAA-1 hydrogel can switch between cationic antimicrobial surface and zwitterionic antifouling surface. In its cationic ring form, pCBMAA-1 hydrogel kills 99.5% of attached bacterial cells and then released 95% of killed cells. pCBMAA-1 surfaces highly resist the protein adsorption from 100% blood plasma and serum. The amount of adsorbed protein was below the detection limit (0.3 ng cm^-2) of the SPR sensor. Compared to exsiting zwitterionic materials, this material showed the dramatically improved stability in both basic and acidic condition. To the best of our knowledge it is the first time that all desired properties are integrated into a single zwitterionic molecule through rational design. We believe that this all-in-one material will broaden the application spectrum of zwitterionic materials to a great extent.