Antifouling glycocalyx-mimetic peptoids

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Cell Biology

Background:

• The cell glycocalyx, rich in hydrated saccharides, plays a crucial role in preventing nonspecific cell surface interactions.
• Understanding the glycocalyx's antifouling properties is key to developing advanced biomaterials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and evaluate a new class of synthetic antifouling polymers, glycopeptoids, inspired by natural glycoproteins.
• To investigate the mechanism by which glycopeptoids achieve resistance to surface fouling.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of saccharide-containing N-substituted polypeptides (glycopeptoids).
• Grafting glycopeptoids onto solid surfaces to create biomimetic shielding layers.
• All-atom molecular dynamics simulations to analyze interfacial properties and hydration.

Main Results:

• Grafted glycopeptoids significantly reduced attachment of proteins, fibroblasts, and bacteria.
• Molecular dynamics simulations revealed an aqueous interface rich in hydrated saccharide residues.
• Glycopeptoids formed more stable hydrogen bonds with water compared to saccharide-free analogs, creating a 'water barrier' and steric hindrance.

Conclusions:

• Glycopeptoids represent a promising synthetic biomimetic approach to antifouling surfaces.
• The antifouling efficacy is attributed to enhanced water hydration and steric effects provided by the glycopeptoid structure.
• This research offers insights into designing advanced materials for biomedical applications by mimicking natural cell surface functionalities.