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A sulfonate-based polypeptide toward infection-resistant coatings
Ruizhong Xue1, Xu Zhang2, Yuansong Wei1
1Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science & Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China. hytang@suda.edu.cn.
Biomaterials Science
|September 28, 2021
Summary
A novel sulfonate-based polypeptide coating offers on-demand antibacterial and antifouling properties for medical devices. This single-component coating enhances biocompatibility and infection resistance, improving device safety.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Medical device-related infections are a significant clinical challenge.
- Existing multifunctional coatings often suffer from reduced functional group density due to multi-component layering.
- There is a need for advanced coatings with combined antibacterial, antifouling, and biocompatible properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel mono-component, sulfonate-based anionic polypeptide coating.
- To impart on-demand antibacterial activity, antifouling properties, and biocompatibility to medical device surfaces.
- To investigate the structure-property relationships and *in vivo* performance of the developed coating.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of an anionic polypeptide via ring-opening polymerization of L-cysteine-based N-carboxyanhydride (NCA) and subsequent thiol-ene reaction.
- Characterization of the polypeptide's secondary structure (β-sheet conformation) and self-assembly into nanoparticles.
- Evaluation of *in vitro* antibacterial activity against *S. aureus* and *E. coli* after acidic treatment.
- Assessment of antifouling properties and biocompatibility after weak base treatment.
- *In vivo* testing of sulfonate-based polypeptide-coated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) for anti-infection and histocompatibility.
Main Results:
- The synthesized anionic polypeptide adopted a 17.1-19.5% β-sheet conformation and formed spherical nanoparticles.
- The coating demonstrated >99% killing efficacy against both Gram-positive (*S. aureus*) and Gram-negative (*E. coli*) bacteria upon acidic treatment.
- Prominent antifouling properties and excellent biocompatibility were observed after weak base treatment.
- *In vivo* studies confirmed good anti-infection properties and histocompatibility of the coated PDMS devices.
Conclusions:
- A versatile mono-component sulfonate-based anionic polypeptide coating was successfully developed.
- The coating exhibits tunable, on-demand antibacterial and antifouling functionalities alongside excellent biocompatibility.
- This advanced coating holds significant promise for enhancing the safety and efficacy of medical devices by preventing infections.
