SGER: Superlow Fouling Materials Inspired by Naturally Occurring Zwitterions

双离子基材料由于具有很强的水合作用，在抵抗复杂介质的生物分子附着方面非常有效。因此，它们可能是常用但不稳定的聚乙二醇（PEG）的极好替代品。生物体内的天然两性具有独特的正电荷和负电荷组合，使它们在复杂的介质中有效和稳定。然而，仅根据分子结构很难预测这些天然两性离子的性能。智力优势：这项工作的目的是通过分子模拟和实验测量来建立天然两性离子结构与其水合能力之间的联系。通过对天然两性离子的学习，将设计出具有特定应用所需的独特性能的更好的两性离子材料。这项工作的成功将改变生物界面和生物材料领域，使其进入超越PEG的新时代。这项工作还将为研究尚未深入研究的有机离子和两性离子开辟新的机会。更广泛的影响：这些超低污染两性离子材料将促进许多关键技术的发展，例如长循环时间的药物载体，可靠诊断的蛋白质阵列，以及用于废水处理的低污染膜。一名研究生和两名代表性不足的本科生将参与这个项目。PI正在开发一门关于？生物分子的接口。拟议工作的结果将对新课程作出重大贡献。

CBET-0827274JiangZwitterionic-based materials are highly effective at resisting biomolecular attachment from complex media due to their strong hydration. Thus, they are potentially an excellent alternative to commonly used, but unstable poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). Natural zwitterions in living organisms have unique combinations of positive and negative charges in such a way that makes them effective and stable in complex media. However, it is hard to predict the performance of these natural zwitterions based on their molecular structures alone. Intellectual Merit: The objective of this work is to establish connections between the structures of natural zwitterions and their hydration capabilities from both molecular simulations and experimental measurements. By learning from natural zwitterions, better zwitterionic materials with unique properties required for specific applications will be designed. The success of this work will transform the field of biointerfaces and biomaterials, for which one will enter the new era beyond PEG. This work will also open up new opportunities to study organic ions and zwitterions, which have not yet been examined in depth. Broader Impact: These superlow fouling zwitterionic materials will enable the development of many critical technologies, such as drug carriers with long circulation time, protein arrays for reliable diagnostics, and low-fouling membranes for wastewater treatment. One graduate student and two underrepresented undergraduate students will participate in this project. The PI is developing a new course on ?biomolecular Interfaces.? Results from the proposed work will contribute significantly to the new course.