Brush‐Like Interface on Surface‐Attached Hydrogels Repels Proteins and Bacteria

Macromolecular Bioscience, vol. 22, pp. e2200025

Abstract

Interfacing artificial materials with biological tissues remains a challenge. The direct contact of their surface with the biological milieu results in multiscale interactions, in which biomacromolecules adsorb and act as transducers mediating the interactions with cells and tissues. So far, only antifouling polymer brushes have been able to conceal the surface of synthetic materials. However, their complex synthesis has precluded their translation to applications. Here, it is shown that ultrathin surface-attached hydrogel coatings of N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) and carboxybetaine methacrylamide (CBMAA) provide the same level of protection as brushes. In spite of being readily applicable, these coatings prevent the fouling from whole blood plasma and provide a barrier to the adhesion of Gram positive and negative bacteria. The analysis of the components of the surface free energy and nanoindentation experiments reveals that the excellent antifouling properties stem from the strong surface hydrophilicity and the presence of a brush-like structure at the water interface. Moreover, these coatings can be functionalized to achieve antimicrobial activity while remaining stealth and non-cytotoxic to eukaryotic cells. Such level of performance is previously only achieved with brushes. Thus, it is anticipated that this readily applicable strategy is a promising route to enhance the biocompatibility of real biomedical devices.

Authors 8

1. Lena Witzdam Aachen Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry

   DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Forckenbeckstraße 50 Aachen 52074 Germany

   Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry RWTH Aachen University Worringerweg 2 Aachen 52074 Germany

   Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, Aachen, 52074 Germany

2. Yannick L. Meurer Aachen Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry

   University of Freiburg · DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Forckenbeckstraße 50 Aachen 52074 Germany

   Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK) University of Freiburg Georges‐Köhler‐Allee 103 Freiburg im Breisgau 79110 Germany

   Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry RWTH Aachen University Worringerweg 2 Aachen 52074 Germany

   Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, Aachen, 52074 Germany

3. Manuela Garay‐Sarmiento Aachen Chair of Biotechnology

   DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Biotechnology RWTH Aachen University Worringerweg 3 Aachen 52074 Germany

   DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Forckenbeckstraße 50 Aachen 52074 Germany

   DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Forckenbeckstraße 50 Aachen 52074 Germany

4. Mariia Vorobii Aachen Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry

   DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Forckenbeckstraße 50 Aachen 52074 Germany

   Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry RWTH Aachen University Worringerweg 2 Aachen 52074 Germany

   Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, Aachen, 52074 Germany

5. Dominik Söder Aachen Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry

   DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Forckenbeckstraße 50 Aachen 52074 Germany

   Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry RWTH Aachen University Worringerweg 2 Aachen 52074 Germany

   Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, Aachen, 52074 Germany

6. Jonas Quandt Aachen Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry

   DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Forckenbeckstraße 50 Aachen 52074 Germany

   Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry RWTH Aachen University Worringerweg 2 Aachen 52074 Germany

   Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, Aachen, 52074 Germany

7. Tamás Haraszti Aachen Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry

   DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Forckenbeckstraße 50 Aachen 52074 Germany

   Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry RWTH Aachen University Worringerweg 2 Aachen 52074 Germany

   Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, Aachen, 52074 Germany

8. César Rodriguez‐Emmenegger corresponding Aachen

   DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials

   Affiliation as printed

   DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Forckenbeckstraße 50 Aachen 52074 Germany