Injectable microparticles with nanoparticle-anchored "Solid-like" slippery coating for durable anti-biofouling and...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Injectable microparticles are promising for tissue engineering and drug delivery.
• Clinical use is hindered by biological contamination and poor colloid stability.
• Existing anti-fouling strategies have limitations like drug exhaustion and poor stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel coating for injectable microparticles that resolves the conflict between anti-contamination and dispersibility.
• To create a stable, slippery surface that prevents biological fouling and maintains particle stability.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of nanoparticle-anchored "solid-like" slippery coating (SSCMP) on microparticles.
• Utilized amide covalent coupling and surface-limited self-assembly to load nanoparticles.
• Engineered a composite interface layer with topological structure and chemical anchoring for lubricant immobilization.

Main Results:

• Achieved long-term monodispersity in physiological environments via surface nano-protrusions.
• Demonstrated persistent protein repulsion and broad-spectrum anti-biofouling against bacteria.
• Showcased significant inhibition of cell adhesion and alleviation of inflammatory responses, indicating excellent biocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• The SSCMP strategy offers a universal platform for developing injectable biomaterials.
• This approach overcomes stability issues of traditional coatings on curved surfaces.
• Provides controllable preparation, long-term anti-contamination, and enhanced dispersibility for advanced biomaterials.