Zwitterionic Brush Copolymer · Dual Antifouling

Poly(MPC-co-PEGMA)

Also listed as Poly(PEGMA-co-MPC)  |  MPC monomer CAS 67881-98-5 · PEGMA monomer CAS 26915-72-0

A copolymer of MPC and poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) that stacks two independently proven antifouling mechanisms on one backbone: MPC’s zwitterionic hydration layer and PEGMA’s PEG-brush steric shielding. Built for surfaces that need maximum resistance to protein, cell, and biofilm adhesion.

MPC CAS 67881-98-5

MPC — PEGMA

Random copolymer, brush architecture

Poly(PEGMA-co-MPC)

Appearance: White to off-white powder
Character: Zwitterionic + PEG-brush
Mechanism Dual antifouling
Storage: -20 °C, dark, desiccated

ISO 9001:2015

Manufactured under certified quality management

Custom MPC:PEGMA Ratio

PEG side-chain length (n) also configurable

Batch-Level COA

Ratio and Mw confirmation per lot

Sample to Bulk

1 g R&D vials up to multi-gram supply

MPC Monomer CAS

67881-98-5

PEGMA Monomer CAS

26915-72-0

Architecture

Brush copolymer

Mechanism

Zwitterionic + steric

Package

1g / 10g / 100g

Two antifouling mechanisms, one backbone

MPC and PEGMA are two of the most studied antifouling technologies in biomaterials research — usually compared as competitors. Here they work together.
MPC — zwitterionic hydration
PEGMA — steric brush shielding
Bar length is illustrative, not a measured performance ranking — actual antifouling performance depends on grafting density, chain length, and your specific surface. Combining both mechanisms is reported to outperform either alone in surface studies.

Choose your ratio by surface goal

Shifting the ratio shifts which mechanism dominates the surface behavior.

MPC-dominant

Charge-based emphasis

Stronger zwitterionic hydration character, more like our pMPC and MPC-HEMA grades.

Balanced

Dual-mechanism grade

Standard grade for most antifouling and lubricious coating applications.

PEGMA-dominant

Steric-brush emphasis

Thicker PEG brush layer — favors maximum lubricity and steric shielding.

Applications

Lubricious catheter & guidewire coatings

PEG-brush lubricity combined with MPC's biocompatible surface for reduced insertion friction.

Marine antifouling coatings

Resists bacterial, algal, and larval settlement on submerged surfaces — an area where both MPC and PEGMA brushes are independently established.

Orthopedic bearing surfaces

Surface modification of crosslinked polyethylene liners to reduce wear-related and inflammatory response.

Stealth drug-carrier surfaces

Dual-mechanism shielding for nanoparticle and micelle surfaces designed for extended circulation.

Contact lens & ophthalmic surfaces

Enhanced wettability and lubricity for extended-wear comfort.

Surface-initiated polymer brushes

Used as a monomer feed for SI-ATRP grafting to build antifouling brush layers directly from a substrate.

Biosensor background reduction

Dual-mechanism coating minimizes nonspecific binding for cleaner assay signal.

Wound care & hydrogel dressings

Highly hydrated, low-adhesion surface that doesn't stick to healing tissue.

Data & safety documents

Batch-specific COAs confirm MPC:PEGMA ratio and molecular weight. Contact us for a particular lot number.

Safety Data Sheet

GHS-format · EN / ZH

Certificate of Analysis

Ratio + Mw confirmation

¹H-NMR Spectrum

Structure confirmation

FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers

No — as a random copolymer with a configurable monomer ratio, it doesn’t have one universal CAS Registry Number. It’s identified by catalog number, with the monomer CAS numbers (MPC 67881-98-5, PEGMA 26915-72-0) provided for reference.

MPC and PEGMA resist protein and cell adhesion through different physical mechanisms — MPC through zwitterionic hydration, PEGMA through steric brush shielding. Surface studies have found the combination outperforms either mechanism alone, since fouling species that partially evade one mechanism are still blocked by the other.

HEMA adds neutral hydrogel structure, MAA adds pH-responsive charge and a -COOH conjugation handle, and PEGMA adds a PEG brush layer for maximum antifouling and lubricity. Choose PEGMA when surface lubricity and dual-mechanism fouling resistance matter more than a reactive conjugation site.

The standard grade uses methoxy-capped PEGMA, which has no reactive end group on the PEG side chain. If you need a conjugation handle, ask about our non-capped (-OH terminated) PEGMA grade, or consider our Poly(MPC-co-MAA) grade instead.

It’s the molecular weight of the pendant PEG chain hanging off each PEGMA unit (commonly Mn 300–950 g/mol). Longer side chains generally increase brush thickness and lubricity but can reduce grafting density — the right length depends on your substrate and application.

Store at -20°C, sealed, and protected from moisture. Once in aqueous solution, avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can affect reproducibility of coating performance.

Need a custom PEG side-chain length or a non-capped grade?

Our technical sales team responds within one business day.