Custom-design of triblock protein as versatile antibacterial and biocompatible coating

With the ever-increasing threats caused by implant-associated infections, advanced methods for preventing bacterial adhesion and inhibiting biofilm formation are of great interest. Herein, a triblock protein (MZAgP) combining zwitterionic peptide, mussel adhesive peptide and silver-binding peptide is rationally designed. MZAgP can be readily attached to various substrates to generate an antibacterial coating. This coating displays multiple functions with favorable inhibition of bacteria growth, significant reduction of bacteria and proteins adhesion, and efficient prevention of biofilms formation. In vivo tests further demonstrate the coating can conspicuously restrain bacterial infections and alleviate foreign body response, displaying excellent biocom-patibility. This study unveils the promise of MZAgP as a multifunctional protein material to fabricate novel antibacterial coating for relieving implant-associated infections.

Automated summary

This study designs a triblock protein (MZAgP) consisting of zwitterionic peptide, mussel adhesive peptide, and silver-binding peptide. MZAgP can be easily attached to various substrates to form an antibacterial coating, which exhibits multiple functions including inhibiting bacterial growth, reducing bacterial and protein adhesion, and preventing biofilm formation. In vivo tests demonstrate that the coating can effectively restrain bacterial infections and alleviate foreign body response with excellent biocompatibility. This study reveals the potential of MZAgP as a multifunctional protein material for fabricating novel antibacterial coatings to relieve implant-associated infections.