Controlled co-immobilization of biomolecules on quinone-bearing plasma polymer films for multifunctional biomaterial surfaces

In this study, an efficient methodology, allowing the controlled co-immobilization of two complementary biomolecules, is reported for the production of multifunctional antibacterial surfaces. To promote long-lasting covalent immobilization, metallic surfaces are first coated with a quinone-bearing poly(methacrylate)-based thin film by combining an atmospheric pressure liquid-assisted plasma polymerization and a controlled sodium periodate-induced catechol oxidation steps. The influence of the oxidation step on the film morphology and chemistry is investigated using an analytical multitool approach involving atomic force microscopy, ultraviolet, infrared, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) analyses allow the rapid determination of the optimal biomolecule immobilization conditions in terms of kinetics of grafting and biomolecule solution concentrations. In vitro functional assays combined with QCM-D analyses demonstrate promising, dual biologically active coated surfaces.