Zwitterionic Biomaterials: From Molecular Principles to Product Development

Abstract
 
An important challenge in many applications, ranging from biomedical devices to drug delivery carriers, is the prevention of nonspecific biomolecular and microorganism attachment on surfaces. To address this challenge, our goals are twofold. First, we strive to provide a fundamental understanding of nonfouling mechanisms at the molecular level using an integrated experimental and simulation approach. Second, we aim to develop biocompatible and environmentally benign ultra low fouling materials based on the molecular principles we have learned. Over the last 12 years, we have demonstrated that zwitterionic and mixed charge materials and surfaces are highly resistant to nonspecific protein adsorption, cell adhesion and bacteria adhesion/biofilm formation from complex media. Both simulation and experimental results show that the strong hydration of zwitterionic materials is responsible for their excellent nonfouling properties. Recent results show that zwitterionic materials induce no capsule formation upon implantation and no immunological response in blood circulation and are able to preserve protein and cell bioactivity as well. At present, zwitterionic materials, as alternatives to conventional poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based materials, have been applied to a wide range of applications, including medical devices, biosensor platforms, drug/gene delivery carriers, antimicrobial coatings, membranes, and marine coatings.