Preparation of Amphiphilic Polymer-Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes for Low-Protein-Adsorption Surfaces and Protein-Resistant Membranes

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes functionalized with poly(sulfone) (PSF) and poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) (MWNT-PSF/PSBMA) have been prepared through sequential atom transfer radical polymerization. The structure of MWNT-PSF/PSBMA hybrid has been characterized with FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Incorporation of PSBMA chains to MWNTs introduces amphiphilic and protein-resistant properties to MWNT-PSF/PSBMA. Addition of 1 wt % MWNT-PSF/PSBMA to PSF films significantly improves their protein-resistant characteristic, as the composite films show a 4.4% of protein adsorption compared to poly(styrene) Petri dishes. The PSF/MWNT-PSF/PSBMA composite has been applied to prepare antifouling ultrafiltration membranes for protein separation. This work demonstrates an effective and convenient approach to prepare low-protein-adsorption surfaces and antifouling membranes.