Bactericidal and Hemocompatible Coating via the Mixed-Charged Copolymer

Abstract

Cationic antibacterial coating based on quaternary ammonium compounds, with an efficient and broad spectrum bactericidal property, has been widely used in various fields. However, the high density of positive charges tends to induce weak hemocompatibility, which hinders the application of the cationic antibacterial coating in blood-contacting devices and implants. It has been reported that a negatively charged surface can reduce blood coagulation, showing improved hemocompatibility. Here, we describe a strategy to combine the cationic and anionic groups by using mixed-charged copolymers. The copolymers of poly (quaternized vinyl pyridine- co- n-butyl methacrylate- co-methacrylate acid) [P(QVP- co- nBMA- co-MAA)] were synthesized through free radical copolymerization. The cationic group of QVP, the anionic group of MAA, and the hydrophobic group of nBMA were designed to provide bactericidal capability, hemocompatibility, and coating stability, respectively. Our findings show that the hydrophilicity of the copolymer coating increased, and its zeta potential decreased from positive charge to negative charge with the increase of the anionic/cationic ratio. Meanwhile, the bactericidal property of the copolymer coating was kept around a similar level compared with the pure quaternary ammonium copolymer coating. Furthermore, the coagulation time, platelet adhesion, and hemolysis tests revealed that the hemocompatibility of the copolymer coating improved with the addition of the anionic group. The mixed-charged copolymer combined both bactericidal property and hemocompatibility and has a promising potential in blood-contacting antibacterial devices and implants.

Calcium phosphate nanoparticles as intrinsic inorganic antimicrobials: In search of the key particle property

“…When it comes to the propensity to traverse or adhere to the biological barriers, including the cell wall and plasma membrane, negative surface charge is a hindrance, especially against phospholipid bilayers inherently incompatible with the hydrophilic nature of CPs, comprising two relatively highly charged ionic species: divalent calcium and trivalent phosphate. Although cationic surfaces tend to have more pronounced antibacterial properties, 36 combining cationic and anionic species on the surface, such as those present on the surface of CP, can retain the antibacterial efficacy while regaining better tissue compatibility, 37 and this duality is exactly the strength of CPs. Zwitterionic surfaces, in fact, are known for their excellent antifouling properties, which they owe to the tight hydration shells formed around charged groups.…”

Versatile Antibacterial Materials: An Emerging Arsenal for Combatting Bacterial Pathogens

“…More recently, a bactericidal and hemocompatible coating was engineered by using mixed‐charged copolymer of poly(quaternized vinyl pyridine‐ co ‐ n ‐butyl methacrylate‐ co ‐methacrylate acid), namely P(QVP‐ co ‐ n BMA‐ co ‐MAA), via ultrasonic spraying technique on versatile surfaces such as glass or polyethylene terephthalate ( Figure ) . The P(QVP‐ co ‐ n BMA‐ co ‐MAA) copolymer was synthesized via free radical copolymerization and subsequent quaternization and deprotection of the carboxyl groups.…”

“…Schematic illustration of the molecular structure of P(QVP‐ co ‐ n BMA‐ co ‐MAA) copolymer and the resultant surface coating. Reproduced with permission . Copyright 2018, American Chemical Society.…”

Mixed‐charge bionanointerfaces: Opposite charges work in harmony to meet the challenges in biomedical applications

“…Mixed‐charge polymers have been proved to be novel candidates of antifouling materials. Our group developed a mixed‐charge poly(quaternized vinyl pyridine‐co‐n‐butyl methacrylate‐co‐methacrylate acid) (P(QVP‐co‐nBMAco‐MAA)) coating, which showed resistance to nonspecific adsorption of proteins and therefore improved the hemocompatibility of the surface (Fan et al, ). Venault et al () reported poly(vinylidene fluoride) membranes that modified by the mixed‐charge copolymer of [2‐(methacryloyloxy) ethyl]trimethylammonium and sulfopropylmethacrylate.…”