(Bis)methacrylamide zwitterionic dipeptide cross-linker synthesis and evaluation in polyampholyte hydrogels

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Surface Science

Background:

• Polyampholyte hydrogels are advanced materials with tunable properties.
• Zwitterionic cross-linkers are crucial for hydrogel functionality and biocompatibility.
• Bacterial adhesion remains a significant challenge for biomaterials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel polyampholyte hydrogels.
• To evaluate the physical properties of hydrogels cross-linked with a new dipeptide-based zwitterionic compound (N-DAP-DAP-C).
• To assess the resistance of these hydrogels to bacterial adhesion.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of polyampholyte hydrogels using N-DAP-DAP-C.
• Characterization of physical properties.
• Evaluation of bacterial adhesion resistance using *Ralstonia pickettii* over 31 days.

Main Results:

• N-DAP-DAP-C cross-linked hydrogels displayed comparable physical characteristics to those with established zwitterionic cross-linkers.
• These novel hydrogels demonstrated excellent resistance to *Ralstonia pickettii* adhesion.
• Sustained anti-adhesion performance was observed over a 31-day period.

Conclusions:

• The novel dipeptide-based zwitterionic cross-linker (N-DAP-DAP-C) is effective for creating functional polyampholyte hydrogels.
• These hydrogels offer promising anti-fouling properties, particularly against bacterial adhesion.
• N-DAP-DAP-C represents a viable alternative for developing advanced biomaterials with enhanced resistance to microbial contamination.