New Antifouling Platform Characterized by Single-Molecule Imaging

Abstract

Antifouling surfaces have been widely studied for their importance in medical devices and industry. Antifouling surfaces mostly achieved by methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) have shown biomolecular adsorption less than 1 ng/cm2 which was measured by surface analytical tools such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy, quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), or optical waveguide lightmode (OWL) spectroscopy. Herein, we utilize a single-molecule imaging technique (i.e., an ultimate resolution) to study antifouling properties of functionalized surfaces. We found that about 600 immunoglobulin G (IgG) molecules are adsorbed. This result corresponds to ∼5 pg/cm2 adsorption, which is far below amount for the detection limit of the conventional tools. Furthermore, we developed a new antifouling platform that exhibits improved antifouling performance that shows only 78 IgG molecules adsorbed (∼0.5 pg/cm2). The antifouling platform consists of forming 1 nm TiO2 thin layer, on which peptidomimetic antifouling polymer (PMAP) is robustly anchored. The unprecedented antifouling performance can potentially revolutionize a variety of research fields such as single-molecule imaging, medical devices, biosensors, and others.

Biomedical and Clinical Importance of Mussel-Inspired Polymers and Materials

“…These films inhibit the growth of bacteria and demonstrate high antimicrobial activity against S. aureus when coated onto polycarbonate materials. Another study also investigated an antifouling system that involves the immobilization of a mussel-inspired catecholamine polypeptoid on TiO 2 thinly coated onto a quartz surface [ 32 ]. This surface construct showed improved antifouling property as compared to other conventional antifouling surfaces such as mPEG/quartz surface.…”

Grafting zwitterionic polymer brushes via electrochemical surface-initiated atomic-transfer radical polymerization for anti-fouling applications

“…In the zwitterionic polymer brushes (pSBVI), comprising a mixture of anionic and cationic terminal groups, surfaces with terminal sulfate groups were the most effective in reducing bacterial attachment. 19,34 Sulfate groups have a tendency to form a bound hydration layer by solvation of the charged terminal groups, thereby preventing algae adsorption.…”

“…These materials exhibit an anti-fouling effect towards a wide variety of proteins, suppressing platelet adhesion and reducing cell attachment and growth. [16][17][18][19] Although PEG-based materials have been used in anti-fouling materials for many years, PEG has limitations, especially in long-term use, because of auto-oxidation in complex systems. New anti-fouling polymers are thus required to cover a broad range of biological applications.…”

Bio-instructive materials on-demand – combinatorial chemistry of peptoids, foldamers, and beyond

“…Since this initial study, many peptoid coatings that resist protein or cell attachment have been designed. 169,172,[187][188][189][190][191][192] A critical grafting density, conformational flexibility, and high hydration have been considered crucial for antifouling polypeptoids. Besides functioning as diverse materials, peptoid oligomers have proved capable of modifying the crystal growth of various molecules.…”