Hemocompatibility of zwitterionic interfaces and membranes

This focused review addresses the fundamental development of nonfouling zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (polySBMA) coatings on a wide range of interfaces and membranes in our laboratory for use in the development of hemocompatible medical devices. The molecular designs of zwitterionic interfaces (for example, surface packing density, grafting coverage, polymer chain conformation and chemistry) as well as the evolution of 'intelligent' interfaces are scrutinized and discussed. Correlations between polymeric membrane surface modification methods, such as thermal- and plasma-induced polymerizations, the conformation of grafted polySBMA chains and hemocompatibility features, are also delineated.