Mussel-Inspired and Bioclickable Peptide Engineered Surface to Combat Thrombosis and Infection

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Engineering
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Extracorporeal circuits and indwelling devices face complications like thrombosis and infections, increasing mortality.
• Current surface modifications often lack durability and multi-functionality.
• Need for advanced surface strategies to improve biocompatibility and reduce clinical risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a robust biomimetic surface engineering strategy for medical devices.
• To impart durable antimicrobial properties and nitric oxide (NO) generation capabilities.
• To prevent thrombosis and infection associated with indwelling medical devices.

Main Methods:

• Grafting a mussel-inspired peptide mimic (DOPA)4-azide onto aminated tubing using catechol-amine chemistry.
• Utilizing bio-orthogonal click chemistry to attach dibenzylcyclooctyne (DBCO)-modified antimicrobial peptide (AMP) and copper-chelating agent (Cu-DOTA).
• Catalytic generation of NO from s-nitrosothiols by Cu-DOTA for antithrombotic effects.

Main Results:

• Successfully engineered tubing surfaces with robustly grafted antimicrobial peptides.
• Demonstrated durable antimicrobial activity and long-term NO generation.
• Prevented platelet adhesion and activation, thereby inhibiting thrombosis formation.

Conclusions:

• The biomimetic surface engineering strategy offers a promising solution for multicomponent surface functionalization.
• This technology enhances the clinical performance of biomedical devices by reducing thrombosis and infection.
• The approach provides a versatile platform for bioengineering advanced medical devices.