Antifouling and blood-compatible poly(ether sulfone) membranes modified by zwitterionic copolymers via In situ crosslinked copolymerization

A novel and simple but practical method for the preparation of modified poly(ether sulfone) (PES) membranes was provided by the in situ crosslinked copolymerization of sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) and sodium p -styrene sulfonate (NaSS) in PES solution followed by a phase-separation technique. Then, semi-interpenetrating network membranes modified by the crosslinked copolymers of poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate- co -sodium p -styrene sulfonate) [P(SBMA- co -NaSS)] were prepared. The SBMA-containing copolymer-modified membranes showed improved protein antifouling properties with flux recovery ratios above 90%. Furthermore, the anticoagulant properties of the NaSS-containing copolymer-modified membranes were obviously enhanced; their activated partial thromboplastin time could be prolonged to about 115 s. Thus, the P(SBMA- co -NaSS) zwitterionic copolymer-modified membranes showed improved antifouling properties and blood compatibility and will provide wide choices for their specific applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132 , 41585.