Zwitterionic Materials

Zwitterionic (ZI) molecules contain both positive and negative functional groups and have an overall neutral charge. Due to electrostatic interactions, materials made from zwitterionic molecules have unusual properties, including an extremely high water-binding capacity and ultra-low fouling properties in complex biological fluids. Zwitterionic materials are used for a broad range of medical and engineering applications. When applied in vivo, they can be invisible to the immune system. In an SNF-funded project, the TEB lab is investigating the use of ZI materials (polymers, microgels) to repair cartilage, deliver drugs, and develop treatments for osteoarthritis. The materials are biologically inspired by zwitterionic phosphatidylcholine (PC) headgroups abundant in the phospholipid bilayer of cell membranes.