Synthesis of polyethylene glycol- and sulfobetaine-conjugated zwitterionic poly(l-lactide) and assay of its antifouling properties

► A new polyester composed of the hydrophilic monomethoxy-poly(ethylene glycol), the hydrophobic aliphatic poly(l-lactide) and the zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) was synthesized. ► Contact angle measurements and attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed that the polymeric surfaces had long-lasting stability. ► Protein adsorption, cell adhesion studies and bacterial attachment assays demonstrated that the polymeric surface possessed good antifouling ability.