Mussel-Inspired One-Step Fabrication of Ultralow-Friction Coatings on Diverse Biomaterial Surfaces

Abstract

Low-friction and hydrophilic surfaces have critical applications in biomedical devices and implants. Existing methods to achieve such surfaces, for example, grafting polymer brushes, usually suffer from tedious steps and harsh reaction conditions, which limit practical applications. In this work, we propose a set of versatile ultralow-friction coatings applicable for diverse biomaterial surfaces via a one-step simple codeposition strategy with dopamine and hydrophilic monomers. The polymer coatings show ultralow-friction performance together with hydrophilic feature and antifouling property. The coefficient of friction of the as-prepared coating can be as low as 0.003 in pure water. The coating also provides superior and stable lubrication in biological fluids due to antifouling capability. Furthermore, the versatility of this strategy allows fabrication of multiple lubricious polymer coatings with different hydrophilic monomers and on diverse material surfaces. The typical application of this low-friction coating on a medical catheter was further demonstrated, which dramatically improved surface wettability and reduced friction of the outer surface of the catheter. In view of the versatility and remarkable lubrication ability, the multifunctional coatings may find important applications in biomedical devices and implants.

Antifouling Strategies for Selective In Vitro and In Vivo Sensing

“…This then potentially offers a new consideration in tuning biofouling, an approach which may be particularly promising in peptide based interfaces. Apart from these chemical antifouling approaches, physical approaches such as bioinspired topographies, for example, shark skin patterns 268,269 or mollusc shell mimics, 190,294,295 have been used to resist marine fouling and control cell adhesion but have, again, rarely found application in sensors.…”

“…To overcome the functional chemical or performance limitations that are frequently associated with the use of a single chemical entity, recent work has progressively moved toward the use of combinations. To date, these have included, for example, the use of mixed assemblies based on a combination of, for example, PEG/HA, PC/HA, GSH/HA, or PDA/HA, , peptide/HA or HA, PC, PDA with lubricin. − Currently, zwitterionic (including peptidic) and polymeric interfaces represent the most tunable high performance platforms encompassing not only significant antifouling properties but also structural adaptability, and it is likely that a continued exploration will furnish a realistic translation to in vitro PoC diagnostics. Interestingly, some of the above interfacial designs have also been adapted for the in vivo monitoring of a range of analytes, as discussed in the next section.…”

Superamphiphilic TiO2 Composite Surface for Protein Antifouling

“…Nature provides many paradigms for preventing adhesion on biointerfaces by superwetting behavior created by special nanostructures and chemical compositions. [ 3,20,21 ] Examples include the antifouling property of fish skin [ 22 ] and the slippery peristome surface of the pitcher plant. [ 23 ] Inspired by nature, superwetting behavior can be an essential requirement in the construction of artificial anti‐biofouling surfaces that can resist the adhesion of bacteria, cells, and even marine organisms.…”

“…[ 23 ] Inspired by nature, superwetting behavior can be an essential requirement in the construction of artificial anti‐biofouling surfaces that can resist the adhesion of bacteria, cells, and even marine organisms. [ 20,24–27 ] However, designing a superwetting surface to resist protein adsorption and the deeper understanding of the underlying mechanism remain challenging.…”

Fabrication of a Hydrophilic Low-Friction Poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) Coating on Silicon Rubber

“…However, the preparation process of these coatings is complex, and grafted polymers are prone to damage under wear, shear, or other mechanical loads. A simple method was to combine dopamine with hydrophilic macromolecules and deposit hydrophilic macromolecules on the surface of the material by the strong adhesion of dopamine. , This strategy does not require modification of the hydrophilic polymers. However, plasma treatment is also required on the surface of the substrate, and the preparation process is more complicated.…”