Insights into switchable thermoresponsive copolymer layers by atmospheric pressure plasma-initiated chemical vapour deposition

Abstract

In this study, the upscalable, substrate-independent, and patterning characteristics of the atmospheric pressure plasma-initiated chemical vapour deposition technique are demonstrated for the synthesis of thermoresponsive copolymer layers from N-vinylcaprolactam (NVCL) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). An analytical multitool approach is exploited to gain insight into the chemical and mechanical surface properties of p(NVCL-co-EGDMA) layers and bovine serum albumin protein–surface interactions. Atomic force microscopy measurements carried out in both liquid and dehydrated conditions, reveal strong temperature-dependent stiffness changes. The swelling and dehydration processes of the layer, monitored by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D), are reversible and durable with a lower critical solution temperature estimated at around 27°C. Finally, by combining QCM-D and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses, the switchable bovine serum albumin-biofouling surface properties, triggered by temperature changes, are demonstrated.