Multifunctional curcumin-based polymer coating: A promising platform against bacteria, inflammation and coagulation

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Surface Engineering

Background:

• Medical implants often face bacterial contamination and inflammation, leading to implant-associated infections (IAI).
• Surface modification of polymers like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is crucial for preventing bacterial colonization and inflammatory responses.
• Curcumin, a natural compound, has beneficial biological activities but suffers from poor solubility and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To immobilize a curcumin derivative onto PET surfaces using click chemistry (copper (I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition - CuAAC).
• To evaluate the efficacy of the functionalized PET surfaces in combating bacterial adhesion, inflammation, and coagulation.
• To establish a robust methodology for surface functionalization and assess the material's biocompatibility.

Main Methods:

• Surface amidation functionalization of PET followed by bioconjugation of a dansyl derivative (for monitoring) and a curcumin derivative using CuAAC.
• Surface characterization using Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transformed Infrared (ATR-FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and contact angle measurements.
• Biological assays including cytotoxicity tests, inflammation marker analysis (IL-6), bacterial growth inhibition assays (Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria), hemolysis rate analysis, and whole blood clotting assays.

Main Results:

• Successful immobilization of both dansyl and curcumin derivatives onto PET surfaces was confirmed by various characterization techniques.
• The curcumin-modified PET surfaces (PET-Cur) exhibited no cytotoxicity and significantly reduced inflammation markers (IL-6).
• PET-Cur surfaces demonstrated potent antibacterial properties against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and showed antithrombogenic effects with no hemolysis concerns.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully developed a novel method for immobilizing curcumin derivatives onto PET surfaces, creating advanced biomaterials.
• The functionalized PET surfaces effectively inhibit bacterial adhesion, reduce inflammation, and possess antithrombogenic properties.
• This approach offers a promising strategy for developing safer and more effective medical implants with enhanced biocompatibility and reduced infection risk.