Zwitterionic polymers have anion and cation groups simultaneously, which make them highly hydrated and render them unique biocompatibility. Because of their unique zwitterionic pendant-side chain structures, sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) polymers present the excellent anti-biofouling properties, i.e. the resistance to protein adsorption, the inhibition of bacterial and blood coagulation, which make them increasingly applied in a wide range of biological and medical related fields recently. The hydration theory, one of the widely accepted antifouling mechanisms, is briefly introduced. In this article, recent progress in the properties, synthesis methods and surface construction methods is reviewed, the applications of SBMA polymers in the materials for artificial organs, tissue engineering, biological separation, bio-monitoring system and temperature-sensitive materials are summarized. In addition, SBMA polymers holding great potential for use in biomaterials and issues existed in these applications are also discussed.

Contents
1 Introduction
2 Mechanism investigation of biocompatibility
3 Preparation of SBMA polymers and methods of immobilization of SBMA polymers onto the materials
4 Application of SBMA polymers
4.1 Application of SBMA polymers in the materials for artificial organs
4.2 Application of SBMA polymers in the tissue engineering
4.3 Application of SBMA polymers in the biological separation
4.4 Application of SBMA polymers in the bio-monitoring system
4.5 PSBMA used for temperature-sensitive materials
4.6 Others
5 Conclusion and perspective