AVS 51st International Symposium
    Biomaterial Interfaces Wednesday Sessions
       Session BI-WeA

Invited Paper BI-WeA4
Biologically Inspired Peptide-Mimetic Polymers for Prevention of Cell and Protein Fouling

Wednesday, November 17, 2004, 3:00 pm, Room 210D

Session: "Passive" and Non-Fouling Surfaces
Presenter: P.B. Messersmith, Northwestern University
Authors: P.B. Messersmith, Northwestern University
A.E. Barron, Northwestern University
J.L. Dalsin, Northwestern University
A. Statz, Northwestern University
R.J. Meagher, Northwestern University
Correspondent: Click to Email
The minimization of nonspecific interactions between biomolecules, cells and material surfaces is integral to refining the biological response biomaterials, and therefore is important to the success of numerous emerging healthcare technologies. A primary motivation for this study is the significant need for new nonfouling strategies capable of functioning effectively for long periods of time in-vivo, and which can be readily applied to a variety of material or device surfaces. In this talk, I will describe our ongoing research efforts aimed at developing new macromolecules that meet these criteria. Specifically, we are focusing on two key aspects of biomaterial surface modification related to prevention of protein and cell fouling: 1) the design and synthesis of new polymers capable of minimizing nonspecific protein and cell attachment to biomaterials; and 2) the development of robust and versatile approaches for anchoring these polymers onto biomaterial surfaces. We have synthesized new peptidomimetic polymers designed to be both fouling resistant and adhesive to surfaces. The anchoring component of the polymers is inspired by the adhesive proteins secreted by mussels for attachment to marine surfaces, whereas the nonfouling polymer is either poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), or a poly(N-substituted glycine) (polypeptoid). Polypeptoids offer the advantages of resistance to enzymatic degradation, low immunogenicity, and with proper design, the ability to prevent protein and cell attachment at surfaces. The synthesis and characterization of these peptidomimetic polymers will be described, along with evidence for their surface immobilization and performance as antifouling coatings.