Development and post-functionalization of a colorless universal coating using Bis(vinyl sulfonyl)methane

Herein we reported a colorless universal and stable coating through Bis(vinyl sulfonyl)methane (BVS) polymerization that occurs on a broad range of inorganic and organic material surfaces. A set of organic bases were screened, and 1-methylimidazole was selected as the initiator. Michael addition, polymerization and crosslinking were proposed as the major stages for the coating growth. Hydrophobicity, roughness, film thickness, elemental composition, and post-reaction sites of the coating were characterized by complementary surface analysis techniques. Several functionalized coatings were demonstrated after treatments of the post-reaction sites, including nucleic acid detection, protein adsorption resistance, and biocompatible cell adhesion. Due to the covalent bond between coatings and surfaces, the surface was stable even under ultrasound, in strong acid, or after moist-heat sterilization. Rather than the oily darkness of the polydopamine (PDA) coating, our coatings are transparent to white which is much more visually comfortable for patients and medical personnel. Polybis(vinyl sulfonyl)methane (PBVS) coating provides remarkable visual appealingness, universality, mechanic stability, and easiness in preparation and functionalization for multiple end-users.