Reversible activation of diblock copolymer monolayers at the interface by pH modulation, 2: Membrane interactions at the solid/liquid interface

J Phys Chem B. 2006 May 11;110(18):9177-82. doi: 10.1021/jp054533b.

Abstract

A monolayer of the pH-responsive poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-block-methyl methacrylate] diblock copolymer [PDMAEMA-PMMA] was transferred from the air/water interface to a silicon substrate for evaluation as a tunable interlayer between biological material and solid substrates. Specular neutron reflectivity experiments revealed that the weak polyelectrolyte PDMAEMA chains at the solid/liquid interface can be reversibly activated by pH modulation. The thickness, scattering length density, and surface roughness of the polymer film can be systematically controlled by pH titration. As a simple model of plasma membranes, a lipid bilayer was deposited onto the polymer film. The membrane-substrate interaction was characterized by neutron reflectivity experiments, demonstrating that the membrane-substrate distance could be reversibly regulated by pH titration. These results confirm the potential of stimuli-responsive polymers for precise control of cell-surface interactions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Membranes, Artificial*
  • Methylmethacrylates / chemistry*
  • Neutron Diffraction
  • Pressure
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Methylmethacrylates
  • dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate-methylmethacrylate copolymer