Recent development of antifouling polymers: structure, evaluation, and biomedical applications in nano/micro-structures

Wiley Interdiscip Rev Nanomed Nanobiotechnol. 2014 Nov-Dec;6(6):599-614. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1278. Epub 2014 Jun 2.

Abstract

Antifouling polymers have been proven to be vital to many biomedical applications such as medical implants, drug delivery, and biosensing. This review covers the major development of antifouling polymers in the last 2 decades, including the material chemistry, structural factors important to antifouling properties, and how to challenge or evaluate the antifouling performances. We then discuss the applications of antifouling polymers in nano/micro-biomedical applications in the form of nanoparticles, thin coatings for medical devices (e.g., artificial joint, catheter, wound dressing), and nano/microscale fibers.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Infective Agents*
  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible*
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Nanoparticles*
  • Nanotechnology
  • Polymers*
  • Prostheses and Implants / microbiology

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible
  • Polymers