Dual water-healable zwitterionic polymer coatings for anti-biofouling surfaces

Abstract

Herein, we show for the first time drop-casting zwitterionic polymer colloidal particles onto different surfaces to obtain zwitterionic coatings with highly protein-repelling properties and dual self-healing capabilities. Upon nano/micro mechanical scratches, the coatings self-heal in a NaCl solution which is accompanied by the recovery of the anti-biofouling characteristics. Also under severe macro damage conditions, water will induce the zwitterionic groups buried inside the particles to transfer to the coating surface, and as such regenerate the surface-wetting properties and repair the anti-biofouling properties.