Preparation of hydrophilic and antifouling coatings tannic acid and zwitterionic polymers.

The attachment and colonization of proteins and bacteria on the surface of implantable medical materials can lead to biofilm formation, which in turn promotes inflammation and increases the treatment burden. This study developed a hydrophilic coating with excellent adhesion and antifouling lubrication properties, by exploiting the adhesive capability of tannic acid (TA) and the antifouling zwitterionic polymer. TA-Fe complex coordination interactions formed a thin layer on the surface of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and then poly(ethylenimine)--sulfobetaine methacrylate (PEI--SBMA) underwent a Schiff-base reaction with the TA layer, allowing the zwitterionic copolymer to be anchored onto the PET surface.