Dual functional antifouling and bactericidal proteinaceous coating.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Coatings with anti-fouling and bactericidal properties are crucial in various applications.
• Developing stable and effective multifunctional coatings remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a novel conjugate of lysozyme (Lyso) and poly (2-Methylallyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC).
• To create a stable, transparent nanofilm (PTL-PMPC) with excellent anti-fouling capabilities.
• To fabricate a hybrid coating (PTL-PMPC/PHMB) with enhanced antibacterial activity and hemocompatibility.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of lysozyme-PMPC conjugate (Lyso-PMPC).
• Phase transition of Lyso-PMPC to form PTL-PMPC nanofilm via disulfide bond reduction.
• Hybridization of PTL-PMPC with poly (hexamethylene biguanide) (PHMB) to create the PTL-PMPC/PHMB coating.
• Assessment of nanofilm stability under extreme conditions (ultrasonic, tape peeling).
• Evaluation of anti-fouling properties against various biological entities.
• Testing of antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
• Assessing hemocompatibility and cytotoxicity.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized Lyso-PMPC conjugate and PTL-PMPC nanofilm.
• PTL-PMPC nanofilm demonstrated excellent stability, remaining intact after harsh treatments.
• The PTL-PMPC film exhibited broad-spectrum anti-fouling properties against cells, bacteria, fungi, proteins, and biofluids.
• The PTL-PMPC film was colorless and transparent.
• The PTL-PMPC/PHMB coating achieved over 99.99% antibacterial rate against S. aureus and E. coli.
• The hybrid coating showed good hemocompatibility and low cytotoxicity.

Conclusions:

• The developed PTL-PMPC nanofilm offers a stable and effective anti-fouling surface.
• The PTL-PMPC/PHMB hybrid coating presents a promising solution for applications requiring both anti-fouling and potent antibacterial functions.
• This research contributes to the development of advanced biomaterials for diverse biomedical and industrial applications.