Surface-grafted polysarcosine as a peptoid antifouling polymer brush

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Surface Science

Background:

• Peptoids, or poly(N-substituted glycines), are gaining attention as engineered biomolecules.
• Sarcosine, a simple polysarcosine (PSAR), is the focus for antifouling applications.
• Developing robust antifouling surfaces is crucial for biomedical and industrial uses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the antifouling properties of surface-grafted polysarcosine (PSAR) brushes.
• To determine the effects of PSAR chain length and density on protein and cell adsorption.
• To explore the potential of PSAR as a biomimetic antifouling material.

Main Methods:

• Surface grafting of polysarcosine brushes using a mussel adhesive protein-inspired peptide.
• Quantification of protein adsorption via surface density measurements.
• Assessment of cell attachment resistance (fibroblasts and bacteria) over time.
• Molecular theory modeling to understand adsorption dependence on chain length and density.
• Hydrophilicity assessment using HPLC and water contact angle measurements.

Main Results:

• Protein adsorption decreased with increasing PSAR brush density, with complete inhibition at critical densities.
• PSAR brushes demonstrated resistance to fibroblast cell attachment for up to 7 weeks.
• Attachment of clinically relevant bacterial strains was also inhibited by PSAR brushes.
• High hydrophilicity of PSAR correlated with its excellent antifouling performance.

Conclusions:

• Surface-grafted polysarcosine brushes exhibit potent resistance to nonspecific protein and cell adhesion.
• The antifouling efficacy is tunable by controlling PSAR chain length and surface density.
• Polysarcosine peptoids present a promising platform for developing advanced antifouling materials.