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Protein Interactions with Nanoengineered Polyoxazoline Surfaces Generated via Plasma Deposition
Laura E Gonzalez Garcia1, Melanie MacGregor-Ramiasa1, Rahul Madathiparambil Visalakshan1
1School of Engineering, Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus , Mawson Lakes, South Australia 5095, Australia.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|June 30, 2017
Summary
Surface nanoroughness controls protein adsorption onto biomaterials. Tailoring nanoparticle size and density on polyoxazoline (PPOx) surfaces can either hinder or enhance protein binding, crucial for implants and biosensors.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Protein adsorption is critical for biomaterial performance in applications like implants and biosensors.
- Controlling protein interactions with surfaces is key to designing effective biomaterials.
- Plasma-deposited polyoxazoline (PPOx) offers a versatile platform for surface modification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of surface nanoroughness on protein adsorption to PPOx films.
- To demonstrate how tailored nanotopography can control protein binding.
- To explore the potential of nanoengineered surfaces for biomaterial design.
Main Methods:
- Creation of nanoengineered surfaces by immobilizing gold nanoparticles of varying sizes (16, 38, 68 nm) and densities on PPOx films.
- Consistent surface chemistry maintained by overcoating all substrates with a nanothin PPOx film.
- Study of protein interactions using bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption assays.
Main Results:
- Protein adsorption is not solely dependent on increased surface area but influenced by nanotopography and wettability.
- Densely packed 16 and 38 nm nanoparticles reduced BSA adsorption compared to smooth PPOx.
- Increased BSA adsorption was observed on surfaces with 68 nm nanoparticles.
- Nanotopography-induced geometric effects and surface wettability were identified as key determinants of protein binding.
Conclusions:
- Surface nanoroughness can be precisely engineered to control protein adsorption on PPOx biomaterials.
- The size and density of nanoparticles significantly impact protein binding, offering a tunable approach.
- These adaptable nanoengineered surfaces hold promise for developing biomaterials with desired protein interaction profiles for various applications.

