Biomimetic phosphorylcholine-modified bacterial cellulose membranes with cell fouling resistance

Abstract Novel biomimetic zwitterionic phosphorylcholine (PC) modified bacterial cellulose (PCBC) membranes were prepared based on the Pudovik reaction of oxidized BC nanofiber clusters and then solution casting technology. Their chemical structure, morphology, hydrophilicity, mechanical and biocompatible properties were characterized and compared with non-modified BC membranes. The composition and morphology analysis of PCBC membranes confirmed the existence of zwitterionic PC groups on the membrane surfaces, and their nano-fibrous structure was kept. Compared with BC membranes, PCBC membranes exhibited better hydrophilicity, similar tensile strength, but decreased rupture strain. And PCBC membranes were non-hemolytic and non-cytotoxic like BC membranes. The anti-biofouling performance investigation revealed that PCBC membranes with zwitterionic surface showed significantly reduced protein adsorption for bovine serum albumin, as well as inhibited cell attachment for both L929 cells and macrophage RAW 264.7. The results strongly suggested that PCBC membranes with excellent cell fouling resistance are expected to be a promising anti-adhesion biomaterial. Graphic abstract