Protein Adhesion at Poly(ethylene glycol) Modified Surfaces

Abstract

The inhibition of protein adsorption to the surfaces of biomedical devices is a crucial requirement for avoiding implant‐associated infections or thrombus formation on blood‐contacting artificial surfaces and thus for increasing the long‐term biocompatibility of the devices. Here, the use of surface plasmon resonance and scanning force microscopy using protein‐modified tips (see figure) to study protein adhesion on poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) grafted polymer materials is discussed. The PEG‐rafted materials are revealed to have significantly reduced affinity to proteins.

Force measurements with the atomic force microscope: Technique, interpretation and applications

“…Snellings et al [663] found reduced adhesion of human serum albumin (HSA) coated tips to surfaces coated with PEG polymer brushes. Force-distance curves with a Si 3 N 4 tip (uncoated or coated with polypropylene or fibrinogen) on PMMA intraocular lenses (used for surgical replacement of natural lenses) with and without hyaluronan coating were studied by Casinelli et al [664] in 0.1 M NaCl.…”

A BioMEMS Review: MEMS Technology for Physiologically Integrated Devices

“…The ability of these materials to inhibit protein adsorption and therefore reduce biofouling has been known for decades [125]. Other related polymers are also being explored to minimize protein adsorption.…”

Adsorption-induced conformational changes of proteins onto ceramic particles: Differential scanning calorimetry and FTIR analysis

“…From literature it is known that coating with polyethylene glycol (PEG) makes a surface more antiadhesive [56]. Furthermore is was reported that bound PEG whiskers induce more ordered α-helix in BSA [56,57] and that ethylene glycol as a solvent in comparison to water results in formation of intermolecular β-sheets in IgG [58].…”