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Published on: November 14, 2025
Photoregulating Antifouling and Bioadhesion Functional Coating Surface Based on Spiropyran
Leixiao Yu1, Christoph Schlaich1, Yong Hou1
1Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, Berlin, 14195, Germany.
This study introduces a light-responsive surface coating using spiropyran (SP) that controls protein and cell interactions. UV light triggers a transformation, creating an antifouling surface that resists and detaches biomolecules.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Dynamic control of biomolecule interactions on surfaces is crucial for biosensors and medical devices.
- Existing surfaces often struggle with nonspecific protein adsorption and cell adhesion, impacting device performance.
- Novel surface chemistries are needed to actively regulate bio-interfacial interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a light-responsive surface coating for dynamic control over protein adsorption and cell adhesion.
- To investigate the use of spiropyran (SP) functionalized hyperbranched polyglycerol (hPG) for tunable surface properties.
- To demonstrate photoregulated antifouling behavior and biomolecule detachment.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of hyperbranched polyglycerol grafted with spiropyran (hPG-SP).
- Characterization of surface properties and photoisomerization of SP to merocyanine (MC) form under UV light.
- Evaluation of protein adsorption and cell adhesion on hPG-SP and hPG-MC surfaces.
- Assessment of antifouling properties and biomolecule detachment capabilities.
Main Results:
- The hPG-SP coating in its ring-closed form promoted protein adsorption and cell adhesion.
- UV irradiation induced isomerization to the hydrophilic/zwitterionic merocyanine form (hPG-MC), significantly resisting protein adsorption and cell adhesion.
- The hyperbranched polyglycerol backbone provided a bioinert background, further suppressing nonspecific interactions.
- The functionalized coating demonstrated effective photoregulated antifouling and enabled the detachment of adsorbed proteins and adhered cells.
Conclusions:
- The developed hPG-SP coating offers a dynamic, light-switchable surface for controlling biofouling.
- This photoregulated antifouling strategy holds promise for advanced biosensor and biomedical device applications.
- The ability to both resist and remove biomolecules provides unprecedented control over surface bio-interfaces.
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