Tailored functionalization of low‐density polyethylene surfaces

Abstract

Surface-functionalization chemistries were optimized to tailor the surface chemistry of polyethylene, and this made covalent attachment of bioactive molecules possible. This concept has relevance in biomaterials, biosensors, textiles, and active food-packaging applications. Clean polyethylene films were subjected to chromic acid oxidation to introduce carboxylic acids. A range of functional groups, including amine, aldehyde, thiol, and hydroxyl, were then introduced to the surface of the oxidized films with functionalized crosslinking agents and covalent bioconjugation chemistries. The quantity of functional groups was further increased by subsequent grafting of polyfunctional agents such as polyethylenimine and poly(acrylic acid). The number and type of functional groups were quantified by contact-angle, dye-assay, attenuated total reflectance/Fourier transform infrared, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. We optimized chemistries to introduce a variety of functional groups to the surface of low-density polyethylene in numbers ranging from several picomoles per centimeter squared to tens of nanomoles per centimeter squared. A range of bioactive compounds, including antimicrobials, antibodies, oligonucleotides, cell precursors, drugs, peptides, enzymes, and synthetic biomimetic agents, can be covalently bound to these functional groups in the development of nonmigratory biofunctionalized polymers.

Characterizations of Novel Poly(aspartic acid) Derivatives Conjugated with γ-Amino Butyric Acid (GABA) as the Bioactive Molecule

“…In the biomedical field, a covalent immobilization can be used to extend the half-life of a biomolecule, prevent its metabolism, or to allow continued bioactivity of in-dwelling devices. 19 Carbodiimides are most commonly used as coupling reagents to obtain an amide linkage between a carboxylate and an amine, or a phosphoramidate linkage between a phosphate and an amine. 20 Novel biodegradable graft copolymers based on poly(aspartic acid) containing pendent GABA moieties were synthesized in this work.…”

Extracellular Matrix: Inspired Biomaterials

“…The major methods of immobilizing peptides to the biomaterial surface include electrostatic interaction (e.g., adsorption, self-assembled monolayers), ligand-receptor interactions (e.g., biotin-avidin, antibody-antigen), and covalent attachment (e.g., silanization, polymer tethering; see Garcia, 14 Goddard and Hotchkiss, 15 Raynor et al 16 for more detailed reviews). ECM scaffolds may not fulfill either the required mechanical or bioactive role or the rapid degradation may compromise the material efficacy.…”

Surface functionalization-induced enhancement in surface properties and biocompatibility of polyaniline nanofibers

“…11,12 The same principle is also applicable in vitro in the case of biomaterials, which act as ECM surface mimics. 13 Polyaniline (PAni) is one of the most mesmerizing CPs due to its diverse structural forms, ease of synthesis, high environmental stability and excellent charge transport property through a doping/dedoping process. 11 The most important parameter of cell-biomaterial interaction through the adsorption of proteins is surface hydrophilicity, which in fact allows for covalent attachment of proteins atop the materials' surface and presents normal bioactivity to the biomolecules.…”