(35b) Improved Antifouling Performance of Polysulfone Ultrafiltration Membrane Via Peptoid Molecules

The development of antifouling membranes to minimize nonspecific protein adsorption has relevance in various biomedical applications. In the present study, electrically neutral NMEG peptoids containing 2-methoxyethyl side chains were attached to polysulfone (PSU) membranes via polydopamine. NMEG peptoids with varying length (NMEG5, NMEG10, NMEG15, and NMEG20) were synthesized and attached to PSU membranes and antifouling performance was assessed. The effect of surface composition, surface roughness, hydrophilicity, hydration capacity, and electrical neutrality on antifouling behavior of membranes were determined. NMEG peptoids presented a high hydrophilicity and hydration capacity as compared to unmodified PSU membranes. The antifouling performance of the membranes was evaluated using a bovine serum albumin filtration test and platelet adhesion. According to the cross-flow filtration results, NMEG modified membranes showed a significant improvement in antifouling ability. Furthermore, flux recovery ratios obtained from NMEG modified membranes were much higher than unmodified membranes. These studies provide a convenient strategy to improve antifouling, hydrophilicity and hemocompatibility of PSU membranes for use in biomedical and environmental applications.