Adsorption of Pluronic F-127 on Surfaces with Different Hydrophobicities Probed by Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation

作者：Nejadnik M Reza; Olsson Adam L J; Sharma Prashant K; van der Mei Henny C^*; Norde Willem; Busscher Henk J

来源：Langmuir, 2009, 25(11): 6245-6249.

DOI：10.1021/la9001169

Triblock copolymers of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polypropylene oxide (PPO), that is, PEO(n)-PPO(m)-PEO(n), better known as Pluronic can adsorb to surfaces in either a pancake or a brushlike configuration. The brushlike configuration is advantageous in numerous applications, since it constitutes a surface repellent to proteins and microorganisms. The conformation of the adsorbed Pluronic layer depends on the hydrophobicity of the substratum surface, but the hydrophobicity threshold above which a brushlike conformation is adopted is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate Pluronic F-127 adsorption on surfaces with different hydrophobicities using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation. Adsorption in a brushlike conformation occurred on surfaces with a water contact angle above 80 degrees, as inferred from the thickness, viscosity, and elasticity of the adsorbed layer. The concentration of Pluronic F-127 in solution affected only the kinetics of adsorption and not the final layer thickness or conformation of adsorbed Pluronic molecules.

• 出版日期2009-6-2