Switching biological functionalities of biointerfaces via dynamic covalent bonds.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Developing biointerfaces with switchable properties is crucial for advanced biomaterials.
• Adjusting surface characteristics on demand enhances material adaptability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a versatile approach for creating a switchable biointerface using dynamic covalent bonds (DCB).
• To demonstrate the reversible immobilization of functional biomacromolecules for tunable biointerface performance.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a dynamic covalent bond (DCB) strategy for reversible attachment/detachment of biomacromolecules.
• Employed aldehyde end-functionalized biomacromolecules (Ald-PSP, Ald-PMT, Ald-PMP) and an acylhydrazide anchored substrate.
• Manipulated pH conditions to control the immobilization and alter biointerface properties.

Main Results:

• Successfully created a switchable biointerface with tunable properties.
• Achieved reversible immobilization of blood-compatible, antibacterial, and combined antifouling/antibacterial functionalities.
• Demonstrated adaptability to satisfy diverse biofunctional requirements by altering surface characteristics.

Conclusions:

• The DCB approach offers a versatile platform for fabricating advanced biomaterials with switchable biointerfaces.
• This method allows for on-demand customization of biointerface properties, enhancing material adaptability.
• The strategy can be extended to incorporate other biofunctional properties by designing specific aldehyde-terminated molecules.