a b s t r a c tBacterial adhesion to biomaterials remains a major problem in the medical devices field. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are well-known components of the innate immune system that can be applied to overcome biofilm-associated infections. Their relevance has been increasing as a practical alternative to conventional antibiotics, which are declining in effectiveness. The recent interest focused on these peptides can be explained by a group of special features, including a wide spectrum of activity, high efficacy at very low concentrations, target specificity, anti-endotoxin activity, synergistic action with classical antibiotics, and low propensity for developing resistance. Therefore, the development of an antimicrobial coating with such properties would be worthwhile. The immobilization of AMPs onto a biomaterial surface has further advantages as it also helps to circumvent AMPs' potential limitations, such as short half-life and cytotoxicity associated with higher concentrations of soluble peptides. The studies discussed in the current review report on the impact of covalent immobilization of AMPs onto surfaces through different chemical coupling strategies, length of spacers, and peptide orientation and concentration. The overall results suggest that immobilized AMPs may be effective in the prevention of biofilm formation by reduction of microorganism survival post-contact with the coated biomaterial. Minimal cytotoxicity and longterm stability profiles were obtained by optimizing immobilization parameters, indicating a promising potential for the use of immobilized AMPs in clinical applications. On the other hand, the effects of tethering on mechanisms of action of AMPs have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, further studies are recommended to explore the real potential of immobilized AMPs in health applications as antimicrobial coatings of medical devices.

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The effect of surface composition and wettability on the adsorption of human serum albumin (HSA) was studied. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) containing mixtures of longer chain methyl- and shorter chain hydroxyl-terminated alkanethiols on gold were used to produce a range of surfaces with different wettabilities and exposed functional groups. Different SAMs were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, water contact angles, and Fourier transform infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS). HSA adsorption onto the different SAMs was evaluated by contact angle measurements (wetting tension determinations), radiolabeling of proteins, and IRAS. Concerning HSA adsorption, all the techniques demonstrated higher HSA adsorption on more hydrophobic surfaces. The wetting tension measurements and IRAS suggested a gradual decrease of the HSA adsorption with increases of surface hydrophilicity. Radiolabeled albumin measurements also demonstrated a significant decrease of HSA adsorption on the pure hydroxyl-terminated SAMs. However, no significant differences were detected between mixed and pure methyl-terminated SAMs. Studies of HSA exchangeability with human fibrinogen have suggested that an ideal percentage of hydroxyl groups on the surface may increase albumin affinity without fibrinogen adsorption.

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