Zwitterionic polymer is a polymer with equivalent positive and negative charge groups on the polymer chains. It is widely used in the areas of anti-fouling and biomedical applications due to its super-hydrophilic and biocompatible properties. Based on their structural features, they can be broadly divided into mixed-charge type and betaine type zwitterionic polymers. At present, zwitterionic polymers can be prepared in a variety of methods, among which living/controlled radical polymerization is a robust and versatile method for the preparation of zwitterionic materials. This approach allows preparation of polymers with precise control over molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, polymer composition, topology and functionality. In this paper, the synthesis of zwitterionic polymers and its recent development are critically reviewed. We mainly focus on the advantages and development of living/controlled radical polymerization for preparing zwitterionic polymers. The main applications of zwitterionic polymers as anti-fouling materials, biomedical materials, detection and separation are summarized and the prospect of their future development is also outlined.
Contents
1 Introduction
2 Synthesis of zwitterionic polymers by living/controlled radical polymerization.
2.1 Preparation of mixed-charge type polymers
2.2 Preparation of betaine type polymers
3 Applications of zwitterionic polymers
3.1 Industrial materials
3.2 Biomedical materials
4 Conclusion and outlook