Simultaneous deposition of tannic acid derivative and covalent conjugation of poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) for the construction of antifouling coatings

Bacterial adhesion and subsequent colonization play an important role in the failure of biomedical implants and devices. Thus, development of a simple surface modification strategy to combat bacterial adhesion is highly desirable. In this work, one-pot fabrication of antifouling coatings based on simultaneous surface adhesion of trihydroxyphenyl and dihydroxyphenyl moieties of tannic acid (TA) derivative and covalent conjugation of hydrophilic poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (PMOXA) was demonstrated. Surface co-depositions of TA/PMOXA hybrids of different TA derivative to PMOXA weight ratios and different molecular weights of PMOXA were conducted. The surface hydrophilicity and deposition universality on various substrates were investigated. The anti-bacterial and anti-platelet adhesion, as well as anti-biofilm formation abilities, of the TA/PMOXA-based coating were also studied. In vitro hemolysis and cytotoxicity, and in vivo biocompatibility of the TA/PMOXAbased coating were further evaluated. All the results indicate that the TA/PMOXA-based coating could be employed as an antifouling additive on biomedical implants and devices.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates a one-pot fabrication method for antifouling coatings based on the simultaneous surface adhesion of trihydroxyphenyl and dihydroxyphenyl moieties of tannic acid (TA) derivative and covalent conjugation of hydrophilic poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (PMOXA). The surface hydrophilicity and deposition universality on various substrates were investigated, and the anti-bacterial, anti-platelet adhesion, and anti-biofilm formation abilities of the coating were studied. In vitro hemolysis and cytotoxicity, as well as in vivo biocompatibility, were evaluated. The results indicate that the TA/PMOXA-based coating can be used as an antifouling additive on biomedical implants and devices.