Interactions between Biomolecules and Zwitterionic Moieties: A Review

Abstract

Throughout the past decade, zwitterionic moieties have gained attention as constituents of biocompatible materials for exhibiting superhydrophilic properties that prevent nonspecific protein adsorption. Researchers have been working to synthesize zwitterionic materials for diverse biomedical applications such as drug delivery, protein stabilization, and surface modification of implantable materials. These zwitterionic materials have been used in assorted architectures, including protein conjugates, surface coatings, nanoparticles, hydrogels, and liposomes. Herein, we summarize recent advancements that further our understanding of interactions between biomolecules and zwitterionic moieties. We focus on the solution behavior of zwitterions and zwitterionic polymers and the molecular interactions between these molecules and biomolecules as determined by both experimental and theoretical studies. Further, we discuss the implications of using such interactions in vivo and how zwitterionic moieties may be incorporated to facilitate targeted delivery of proteins, genes, or small molecules. Finally, we discuss current knowledge gaps that need to be addressed to advance the field.

Application of Zwitterions in Forward Osmosis: A Short Review

“…Zwitterionic materials are promising candidates to enhance surface hydrophilicity and augment both antifouling and antibacterial properties of the membrane because it could create a strong hydration layer through electrostatic and hydrogen bond interaction [48][49][50][51][52]. The typical zwitterionic material systems can be separated into phosphobetaine methacrylate (PBMA), sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA), and carboxybetaine methacrylate (CBMA) [53,54], shown in Figure 1.…”

Zwitterionic poly(carboxybetaine) microgels for enzyme (chymotrypsin) covalent immobilization with extended stability and activity

“…The defining characteristic of these zwitterionic moieties is the presence of both a cationic and anionic charge. In organisms such as sugar beets or saline soil herbs, zwitterionic inner salts such as sulfobetaine or carboxybetaine act as natural osmolytes and increase the protein conformational stability 21 . A biomimetic approach would use the natural osmolyte properties of zwitterionic moieties by generating a superhydrophilic network and to immobilize an enzyme within that network.…”

“…Protein stabilization by zwitterionic moieties within living organisms provides an example of how we might approach the problem. [19][20][21] The defining characteristic of these zwitterionic moieties is the presence of both a cationic and anionic charge. In organisms such as sugar beets or saline soil herbs, zwitterionic inner salts such as sulfobetaine or carboxybetaine act as natural osmolytes and increase the protein conformational stability.…”

“…Protein stabilization by zwitterionic moieties within living organisms provides an example of how we might approach the problem 19–21 . The defining characteristic of these zwitterionic moieties is the presence of both a cationic and anionic charge.…”

Immobilization of Nanobodies with Vapor-Deposited Polymer Encapsulation for Robust Biosensors

“…[9][10] Typically, two kinds of polymer encapsulants are invoked for biosensors: hydrophilic polymers (or hydrogels), and zwitterionic polymers. [11][12][13][14] These encapsulants are widely applied to form hydration layers at the sensor surface via either hydrogen bonds or ion solvation, respectively. Since the interaction force between water molecules or ions and the coating materials cannot be readily compensated by extra adsorption, this tightly bound water or ion layer becomes a physical, as well as an energetic, barrier against nonspecific adsorption of interferents.…”