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Antifungal coatings by caspofungin immobilization onto biomaterials surfaces via a plasma polymer interlayer
Stefani S Griesser1, Marek Jasieniak1, Bryan R Coad1
1Mawson Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia 5095, Australia.
Abstract:
Not only bacteria but also fungal pathogens, particularly Candida species, can lead to biofilm infections on biomedical devices. By covalent grafting of the antifungal drug caspofungin, which targets the fungal cell wall, onto solid biomaterials, a surface layer can be created that might be able to provide long-term protection against fungal biofilm formation. Plasma polymerization of propionaldehyde (propanal) was used to deposit a thin (∼20 nm) interfacial bonding layer bearing aldehyde surface groups that can react with amine groups of caspofungin to form covalent interfacial bonds for immobilization. Surface analyses by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry confirmed the intended grafting and uniformity of the coatings, and durability upon extended washing. Testing for fungal cell attachment and ensuing biofilm formation showed that caspofungin retained activity when covalently bound onto surfaces, disrupting colonizing Candida cells. Mammalian cytotoxicity studies using human primary fibroblasts indicated that the caspofungin-grafted surfaces were selective in eliminating fungal cells while allowing attachment and spreading of mammalian cells. These in vitro data suggest promise for use as antifungal coatings, for example, on catheters, and the use of a plasma polymer interlayer enables facile transfer of the coating method onto a wide variety of biomaterials and biomedical devices.
Insights
Researchers developed antifungal coatings for biomedical devices by covalently grafting caspofungin (an antifungal drug) onto surfaces. This method effectively prevents fungal biofilm formation while remaining safe for human cells.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Infectious Diseases
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Fungal pathogens, like Candida species, cause biofilm infections on biomedical devices.
- Current treatments for these infections are limited and can lead to resistance.
- Developing effective antifungal surfaces is crucial for preventing device-related infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a durable antifungal coating on biomaterials by immobilizing caspofungin.
- To evaluate the efficacy of the caspofungin coating against Candida biofilm formation.
- To assess the biocompatibility of the modified surfaces with mammalian cells.
Main Methods:
- Plasma polymerization of propionaldehyde created an aldehyde-rich interfacial layer on biomaterials.
- Caspofungin was covalently grafted onto the surface via reaction with aldehyde groups.
- Surface characterization used X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry.
- In vitro assays tested fungal cell attachment, biofilm formation, and mammalian cell cytotoxicity.
Main Results:
- Successful uniform grafting of caspofungin onto surfaces was confirmed.
- The immobilized caspofungin retained antifungal activity, inhibiting Candida biofilm formation.
- Caspofungin-coated surfaces demonstrated selectivity, eliminating fungal cells without harming mammalian cells.
- The plasma polymer interlayer facilitated coating onto various biomaterials.
Conclusions:
- Covalently immobilized caspofungin provides effective, long-term protection against fungal biofilms on biomaterials.
- The developed coating method is versatile and applicable to a wide range of biomedical devices.
- These findings suggest potential for antifungal coatings on devices like catheters to reduce infection rates.
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