Mussel-Inspired Polymers for Surface Modification: Preventing and EncouragingBioadhesion

摘要

Modification of surfaces with macromolecules for the purpose ofcontrolling bioadhesion continues to be a significant goal ofbiointerfaces research. Immobilization of polymers onto surfaces canbe accomplished with several existing approaches, however manystrategies require complicated multi-step procedures and lacksubstrate versatility. Thus, there is an ongoing need for new,versatile and simple strategies for modification of surfaces withpolymers. In this paper we will describe a versatile approach tosurface modification that is inspired by mussel adhesive proteins(MAPS), the specialized adhesive proteins capable of adhering towet surfaces of virtually any composition. A key functional groupfound in these proteins is catechol, specifically present in the form ofthe amino acid L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA). DOPA isabundant in many MAPs and plays a key role in the chemicalinteraction between the protein and surface. In our lab, we aredesigning new MAP mimetic polymers with adhesive and(surprisingly) non-adhesive properties. For example, DOPA is beingused to anchor antifouling polymers onto biomedically relevantsurfaces. The design, synthesis and properties of these polymers willbe described, and examples given of their use in minimizingnonspecific biofouling on medical implants, diagnostic devices, andindustrial and marine surfaces. The strategy is amenable toincorporation of functional groups designed to encourage biospecificinteractions such as cell attachment, and downstream signalingevents as well.