Grafting of PSPMA Polymer Brushes onto Silica Nanoparticles by ARGET ATRP for Antifouling Enhancement with BSA

Antifouling refers to the prevention of unwanted accumulation of biological materials, such as microorganisms, plants, algae, or animals, on the surfaces that are exposed to water or biological environments. Fouling decreases the lifespan of the material, whereas in the case of biological materials, it increases the chances of implant-related infections due to the deposition of proteins, cell attachment, or bacterial film formation. Surface functionalization, which may be mediated by the macromolecules present in biological media, is crucial in regulating biodegradation, cytotoxicity, and biodistribution. Several proteins that result in the creation of coated nanoparticles known as protein corona provide a classic example. This article discusses the synthesis of the hydrophilic poly-(3-sulfopropylmethacrylate potassium salt) (PSPMAK) polymer brush with oxygen-tolerant Activators Regenerated by Electron Transfer Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ARGET ATRP) method. The antifouling nature was studied using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model protein and its interaction was studied using spectroscopic techniques. The surface of the silica nanoparticle was functionalized with the PSPMAK polymer brush by the "grafting-from" method, giving it the antifouling property.