A facile approach toward multi-functional polyurethane/polyethersulfone composite membranes for versatile applications

The complex synthesis through multistep reactions and tedious purifications based on different monomers or macromolecules limits the practical applications of functional polymers. Herein, a facile approach toward a series of functional polyurethanes (PUs) is designed for versatile biological applications within fewer step reactions under mild conditions. The tertiary amino groups in the PU are converted into zwitterions or quaternary ammonium salt via simple one-step synthesis, and then used to prepare PU/polyethersulfone composite membranes. The composite membrane with tertiary amine groups exhibits significant adsorption capability to anionic dye Congo red (CR) and toxin bilirubin. The membrane bearing zwitterionic PU displays excellent blood compatibility; while which with quaternary ammonium salts has antibacterial property. Furthermore, carboxybetaine-functional composite membrane is exploited to bear Ag nanoparticles to endow with dual functions of antibacterial and antifouling properties. This work demonstrates the potential of PUs as readily available, multi-functional, and easy-to-use materials for biological applications.