Layer by layer self-assembly of poly[2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl phosphorylcholine] multilayer via the ionic complexation with zirconium

Zirconium-phosphonate (Zr-P) ionic complexation chemistry is explored as a new approach to fabricate poly[2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl phosphorylcholine] (PMPC) multilayer film by layer-by-layer self-assembly method. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) and optical ellipsometry measurements demonstrated that PMPC layer can be fully absorbed on each Zr4+ layer. The thickness of the multilayer film with a good linear relationship was followed by the ellipsometry in situ adlayer characterization. The influence of pH of the PMPC and Zr4+ solutions on the multilayer deposition were investigated by optical ellipsometry. QCM-D results indicated that the multilayer film is stable in a PBS flowing chamber at a high flow rate of 5.2 × 10−3 m/s. The ellipsometry data demonstrated that 67.2% of the film still remained on the silicon wafer after being strong shaken in PBS at 80 rpm for 12 h. The adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and fetal bovine serum (FBS) on the PMPC surface was monitored by the QCM-D and spectroscopic ellipsometry, and the results showed the multilayer film have excellent protein resistance.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We demonstrate an approach to fabricate PC multilayer via Zr-P ionic complexation. ► The pH has a considerable effect on the growth of the [PC/Zr4+]n multilayer film. ► The film exhibits good stability in the PBS buffer and protein resistance property.