Steric and electrostatic surface forces on sulfonated PEG graft surfaces with selective albumin adsorption

Addition of ionized terminal groups to PEG graft layers may cause additional interfacial forces to modulate the net interfacial interactions between PEG graft layers and proteins. In this study we investigated the effect of terminal sulfonate groups, characterizing PEG-aldehyde (PEG-CHO) and sulfonated PEG (PEG-SO3) graft layers by XPS and colloid probe AFM interaction force measurements as a function of ionic strength, in order to determine surface forces relevant to protein resistance and models of bio-interfacial interaction of such graft coatings. On the PEG-CHO surface the measured interaction force does not alter with ionic strength, typical of a repulsive steric barrier coating. An analogous repulsive interaction force of steric origin was also observed on the PEG-SO3 graft coating; however, the net interaction force changed with ionic strength. Interaction forces were modelled by steric and electrical double layer interaction theories, with fitting to a scaling theory model enabling determination of the spacing and stretching of the grafted chains. Albumin, fibrinogen, and lysozyme did not adsorb on the PEG-CHO coating, whereas the PEG graft with terminal sulfonate groups showed substantial adsorption of albumin but not fibrinogen or lysozyme from 0.15 M salt solutions. Under lower ionic strength conditions albumin adsorption was again minimized as a result of the increased electrical double-layer interaction observed with the PEG-SO3 modified surface. This unique and unexpected adsorption behaviour of albumin provides an alternative explanation to the "negative cilia" model used by others to rationalize observed thromboresistance on PEG-sulfonate coatings.

Biologically active dibenzofurans from Pilidiostigma glabrum, an endemic Australian Myrtaceae

In an effort to identify new anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents with potential application in wound healing, five new dibenzofurans, 1,3,7,9-tetrahydroxy-2,8-dimethyl-4,6-di(2-methylbutanoyl)dibenzofuran (1), 1,3,7,9-tetrahydroxy-2,8-dimethyl-4-(2-methylbutanoyl)-6-(2-methylpropionyl)dibenzofuran (2), 1,3,7,9-tetrahydroxy-2,8-dimethyl-4,6-di(2-methylpropionyl)dibenzofuran (3), 1,3,7,9-tetrahydroxy-4,6-dimethyl-2-(2-methylbutanoyl)-8-(2-methylpropionyl)dibenzofuran (4), and 1,3,7,9-tetrahydroxy-4,6-dimethyl-2,8-di(2-methylpropionyl)dibenzofuran (5), were isolated from the leaves of Pilidiostigma glabrum together with one previously described dibenzofuran. Structure elucidation was achieved by way of spectroscopic measurements including 2D-NMR spectroscopy. Compounds with 2,8-acyl substitutions had potent antibacterial activity against several Gram-positive strains (MIC in the low micromolar range), while compounds with 4,6-acyl substitutions were less active. All compounds except 3 inhibited the synthesis of nitric oxide in RAW264 macrophages with IC(50) values in the low micromolar range. Compounds with 2,8-acyl substitutions also inhibited the synthesis of PGE(2) in 3T3 cells, whereas 4,6-acyl-substituted compounds were inactive. None of the compounds inhibited the synthesis of TNF-α in RAW264 cells. The compounds showed variable but modest antioxidant activity in the oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay. These findings highlight that much of the Australian flora remains unexplored and may yet yield many new compounds of interest. Initial clues are provided on structure/activity relationships for this class of bioactives, which may enable the design and synthesis of compounds with higher activity and/or selectivity.

Functionality of proteins bound to plasma polymer surfaces

The deposition of a thin film layer by plasma polymerization enables the surface functionalization of a wide range of substrate materials for biointerfacial interactions. Plasma polymers can surface-bind proteins specifically via covalent linkages or nonspecifically through other irreversible adsorption mechanisms; key questions are whether covalent chemisorption has indeed occurred, and whether the protein retains functionality. Here the mode of surface binding of streptavidin and the biotin binding functionality of the bound streptavidin layer are studied on plasma polymer (pp) surfaces deposited using propionaldehyde and ethanol that were plasma polymerized at different powers (P) to investigate possible mechanisms for protein binding to a range of different surface chemistries. As expected, with pp surfaces composed principally of aldehyde groups, protein conjugation appears to be specific (chemisorption) allowing the immobilization of streptavidin (SAV) molecules retaining the ability to bind biotinylated probes. To contrast with this, we present the first study of protein adsorption to ethanol pp surfaces prepared at different P. This provides an investigation into retention of the hydroxyl functionality in the pp at low P and its effect on protein adsorption. Adsorption of human serum albumin (HSA) to ethanol pp was similar to that on propionaldehyde pp except at low P (5 W) where hydroxyl group retention and hydration presumably has a role in reducing protein adsorption. Although we observed SAV adsorption to ethanol pp surfaces at all P, interestingly, the protein lost its ability to bind biotinylated probes. Thus we suggest that irreversible, nonspecific adsorption of protein on ethanol pp surfaces results in apparent protein denaturation despite the hydrophilic nature of the ethanol pp surface. We conclude by making inferences between the pp structure as measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and the related protein adsorption mechanisms.

Immobilized streptavidin gradients as bioconjugation platforms

Surface density gradients of streptavidin (SAV) were created on solid surfaces and demonstrated functionality as a bioconjugation platform. The surface density of immobilized streptavidin steadily increased in one dimension from 0 to 235 ng cm(-2) over a distance of 10 mm. The density of coupled protein was controlled by its immobilization onto a polymer surface bearing a gradient of aldehyde group density, onto which SAV was covalently linked using spontaneous imine bond formation between surface aldehyde functional groups and primary amine groups on the protein. As a control, human serum albumin was immobilized in the same manner. The gradient density of aldehyde groups was created using a method of simultaneous plasma copolymerization of ethanol and propionaldehyde. Control over the surface density of aldehyde groups was achieved by manipulating the flow rates of these vapors while moving a mask across substrates during plasma discharge. Immobilized SAV was able to bind biotinylated probes, indicating that the protein retained its functionality after being immobilized. This plasma polymerization technique conveniently allows virtually any substrate to be equipped with tunable protein gradients and provides a widely applicable method for bioconjugation to study effects arising from controllable surface densities of proteins.

Instability of Antibacterial Serrulatane Compounds from the Australian Plant Species Eremophila duttonii

Hydrophilically substituted diterpenes of the structural class of serrulatanes have attracted attention as novel antibacterial compounds that are effective even against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a key bacterium involved in human infections. The mechanism of action has, however, not been established yet. Available data on structure–activity relationships suggest that the aromatic hydroxy group is essential for activity, and the strongest activity has been found for naphthyl compounds. In this context, it is reported that two highly active serrulatanes isolated from leaf resin of the Australian plant species Eremophila duttonii showed instability upon separation. Acetylation of hydroxy groups generated stable compounds that could be isolated and identified by NMR spectroscopy. The acetylated compounds showed little antibacterial activity, but such activity, as well as oxidative instability, was restored after hydrolysis of the acetate groups. Thus, phenolic hydroxy groups are essential for the mechanism of action of these compounds. The reaction products were not purifiable in sufficient quantities, but indications point to oxidation to quinones. Such oxidation may be a key aspect of the antibacterial activity of this class of compounds.

Individual and Population Quantitative Analyses of Calcium Flux in T-Cells Activated on Functionalized Material Surfaces

We have developed a novel method for activating T-cells on material surfaces that enable individual and population-based analyses of intracellular calcium flux, as a quantitative measure of T-cell receptor engagement. Functionalized material surfaces were created using a plasma-polymerized foundation layer to immobilize stimulatory T-cell ligands, which could induce T-cell receptor-dependent calcium flux in naive T-cells. Real-time confocal microscopic detection and quantification of calcium flux using paired fluorescent ratiometric probes facilitated the tracking and analysis of response profiles of individual T-cells, as well as population analyses using a combination of individual T-cell events. This type of combined analysis cannot be achieved using traditional population-based flow cytometric approaches, and thus provides a logical step towards developing the capacity to assess the magnitude and quality of inherently heterogeneous effector T-cell responses to antigenic challenge.

Controlled release of levofloxacin sandwiched between two plasma polymerized layers on a solid carrier

Targeted delivery and controlled local release of drugs has a number of advantages over conventional systemic drug delivery approaches. Novel platforms for local delivery from solid drug carriers are needed to satisfy the requirements of various medical applications, in particular for the incorporation and release of hydrophilic drugs from a solid carrier material. We have utilized the plasma polymerization of n-heptylamine for the generation of two thin coated layers that serve two distinct purposes. First, an n-heptylamine plasma polymer layer is applied onto the surface of the solid carrier material in order to facilitate spreading of the drug, which is applied by solvent casting; levofloxacin in ethanol was used for this study. A second n-heptylamine plasma polymer coating then serves as a thin barrier coating to control the release. We show that the rate of release can be adjusted via the thickness of the plasma polymer overlayer. We also show that this modality of controlled release of levofloxacin completely inhibits Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization and biofilm formation on and near the coated biomaterial surface.

Enhanced molecular chaperone activity of the small heat-shock protein alphaB-cystallin following covalent immobilization onto a solid-phase support

The well-characterized small heat-shock protein, alphaB-crystallin, acts as a molecular chaperone by interacting with unfolding proteins to prevent their aggregation and precipitation. Structural perturbation (e.g., partial unfolding) enhances the in vitro chaperone activity of alphaB-crystallin. Proteins often undergo structural perturbations at the surface of a synthetic material, which may alter their biological activity. This study investigated the activity of alphaB-crystallin when covalently bound to a support surface; alphaB-crystallin was immobilized onto a range of solid material surfaces, and its characteristics and chaperone activity were assessed. Immobilization was achieved via a plasma-deposited thin polymeric interlayer containing aldehyde surface groups and reductive amination, leading to the covalent binding of alphaB-crystallin lysine residues to the surface aldehyde groups via Schiff-base linkages. Immobilized alphaB-crystallin was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and quartz crystal microgravimetry, which showed that 300 ng cm(-2) (dry mass) of oligomeric alphaB-crystallin was bound to the surface. Immobilized alphaB-crystallin exhibited a significant enhancement (up to 5000-fold, when compared with the equivalent activity of alphaB-crystallin in solution) of its chaperone activity against various proteins undergoing both amorphous and amyloid fibril forms of aggregation. The enhanced molecular chaperone activity of immobilized alphaB-crystallin has potential applications in preventing protein misfolding, including against amyloid disease processes, such as dialysis-related amyloidosis, and for biodiagnostic detection of misfolded proteins.

Surface Immobilization of Synthetic Proteins Via Plasma Polymer Interlayers

Coatings of biologically active molecules on synthetic ”bulk“materials are of much interest for biomedical applications since they can in principle elicit specific, predictable. controlled responses of the host environment to an implanted device. However, issues such as shelf life. storage conditions, biological safety, and enzymatic attack in the biological environment must be considered; synthetic proteins may offer advantages. In this study we investigated the covalent immobilization onto polymeric materials of synthetic proteins which possess some properties that mimic those of the natural protein collagen, particularly the ability to form triple helical structures, and thus may provide similar bio-responses while avoiding enzymatic degradation. In order to perform immobilization of these collagen-like molecules (CLMs) under mild reaction conditions, the bulk materials are first equipped with suitable surface groups using rf plasma methods. Plasma polymer interlayers offer advantages as versatile reactive platforms for the immobilization of proteins and other biologically active molecules. Application of a thin plasma polymer coating from an aldehyde monomer is particularly suitable as it enables direct immobilization of CLMs by reaction with their terminal amine groups, using reductive amination chemistry. An alternative route is via plasma polymer layers that contain carboxylic acid groups and using carbodiimnide chemistry. A third route makes use of alkylamme plasma polymer interlayers, which are less process sensitive than aldehyde and acid plasma coatings. A layer of poly-carboxylic acid compounds such as carboxylic acid terminated PAMAM-starburst dendrimers or carboxymethylated dextran is then attached by carbodiimide chemistry onto the amine plasma layer. Amine-terminated CLMs can then be immobilized onto the poly-carboxylic acid layer. Surface analytical methods have been used to characterize the immobilization steps and to assess the surface coverage. Initial cell attachment and growth assays indicate that the biological performance of the CLMs depends on their amino acid sequence.

Comprehensive characterization of grafted expanded poly(tetrafluoroethylene) for medical applications

Successful implantation of any biomaterial depends on its mechanical, architectural, and surface properties. Materials with good bulk properties seldom possess the appropriate surface characteristics required for good biointegration. The present study investigates the results of surface modification of a highly porous, fully fluorinated polymeric substrate, expanded poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (ePTFE), with a view to improving the surface bioactivity and hence ultimately its biointegration. Modification involved gamma irradiation-induced graft copolymerization with the monomers monoacryloxyethyl phosphate (MAEP) and methacryloxyethyl phosphate (MOEP) in various solvent systems (water, methanol, methyl ethyl ketone, and mixtures thereof). In order to determine the penetration depth of the graft copolymer into the pores and/or the bulk of the ePTFE membranes, angle-dependent X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used. It was found that the penetration depth was critically affected by the choice of monomer and solvent as well as by the technique used to remove dissolved oxygen from the grafting mixture: nitrogen degassing versus vacuum. Difficulties due to the porous nature of the membranes in establishing the lateral position of the graft copolymers were largely overcome by combining data from microattenuated total reflectance Fourier transfer infrared (μ-ATR-FTIR) mapping and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) imaging. Results show that the large variation in graft heterogeneity found between different samples is largely an effect of the underlying substrate and choice of monomer. The results from this study provide the necessary knowledge and experimental data to control both the graft copolymer lateral position and depth of penetration in these porous ePTFE membranes.

Antibacterial surfaces by adsorptive binding of polyvinyl-sulphonate-stabilized silver nanoparticles

This paper presents a novel and facile method for the generation of efficient antibacterial coatings which can be applied to practically any type of substrate. Silver nanoparticles were stabilized with an adsorbed surface layer of polyvinyl sulphonate (PVS). This steric layer provided excellent colloidal stability, preventing aggregation over periods of months. PVS-coated silver nanoparticles were bound onto amine-containing surfaces, here produced by deposition of an allylamine plasma polymer thin film onto various substrates. SEM imaging showed no aggregation upon surface binding of the nanoparticles; they were well dispersed on amine surfaces. Such nanoparticle-coated surfaces were found to be effective in preventing attachment of Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria and also in preventing biofilm formation. Combined with the ability of plasma polymerization to apply the thin polymeric binding layer onto a wide range of materials, this method appears promising for the fabrication of a wide range of infection-resistant biomedical devices.

Platforms for controlled release of antibacterial agents facilitated by plasma polymerization

Bacterial infections present an enormous problem causing human suffering and cost burdens to the healthcare systems worldwide. Herein we present several versatile strategies for controlled release of antibacterial agents which include silver ions as well as traditional antibiotics. At the heart of these release platforms is a thin film deposited by plasma polymerization. The use of plasma polymerization makes these strategies applicable to the surface of many types of medical devices since the technique for deposition of a polymer film from plasma in practically substrate independent.

Tunable antibacterial coatings that support mammalian cell growth

Bacterial infections present an enormous problem causing human suffering and cost burdens to healthcare systems worldwide. Here we present novel tunable antibacterial coatings which completely inhibit bacterial colonization by Staphylococcus epidermidis but allow normal adhesion and spreading of osteoblastic cells. The coatings are based on amine plasma polymer films loaded with silver nanoparticles. The method of preparation allows flexible control over the amount of loaded silver nanoparticles and the rate of release of silver ions.

End terminal, poly(ethylene oxide) graft layers: surface forces and protein adsorption

Covalently grafted poly(ethylene oxide) coatings have been widely studied for use in biomedical applications, particularly for the reduction of protein and other biomolecule adsorption. However, many of these studies have not characterized the hydrated structure of the coatings. This new study uses a combination of silica colloid probe interaction force measurements using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in order to determine the grafting density and hydrated layer structure of monomethoxy poly(ethylene oxide) aldehyde layers, covalently grafted onto amine plasma polymer surfaces, and their interactions with silica surfaces. For high grafting densities, purely repulsive interactions were measured as expected for densely grafted polymer brushes. These interactions could be described by theoretical expectations for compression of one polymer brush layer. However, at lower grafting densities, attractive interactions were observed at larger separation distances, originating from bridging interactions due to adsorption of the PEO chains on the surface of the silica colloid probe. This is a new finding indicating that the coupled PEO molecules have sufficient conformational freedom to interact strongly with an adjacent surface or, for example, protein molecules for which there is an affinity. The attractive interactions could be removed by grafting an additional PEO layer onto the silica colloid probe. Protein adsorption measurements confirmed that at high grafting densities, the amount of adsorbed protein on the PEO grafted surfaces was greatly reduced, to the order of the detection limit for the XPS technique.

Template-assisted generation of nanocavities within plasma polymer films

The generation of nanosized cavities within thin film layers is of interest for a number of fundamental and applied reasons. One challenge is to make such systems sufficiently robust mechanically. Plasma polymer (pp) films possess excellent mechanical stability if deposition conditions are selected such as to achieve a sufficient density of cross-linking and resistance to extraction of polymeric material by solvents. In this study, gold nanoparticles of 15 and 70 nm diameter were used as sacrificial templates to generate nanocavities in pp films of various thickness values in the tens of nanometers range. A first pp layer was deposited onto substrates using n-heptylamine (HA) to a thickness of 20 nm. Carboxy-thiolated gold nanoparticles were electrostatically bound onto the surface amine groups of the n-heptylamine plasma polymer (HApp) layer. A second HApp layer was then coated to various thicknesses onto the nanoparticle/HApp surface. The template particles embedded thus in-between the two HApp layers were then dissolved using aqueous KCN solution; monitoring of the plasmon resonance band of the gold nanoparticles enabled verification of template stripping and measurement of the kinetics of stripping. AFM topography images showed little change on extraction of the template nanoparticles, indicating that the plasma polymer layer maintained structural integrity upon template extraction and subsequent drying, and thereby prevented collapse of the empty nanocavities. The concept of template stripping to generate controlled size free volume in thin plasma polymer layers is thus shown to produce robust structures.

A robust procedure for the functionalization of gold nanorods and noble metal nanoparticles

Towards a robust and universal functionalization procedure with alkanethiols for gold nanorods and plasmonic nanoparticles, a straightforward two-step approach is described.

Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry study of the orientation of a bifunctional diblock copolymer attached to a solid substrate

A block copolymer consisting of a phosphate-containing moiety (poly[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphate], PMOEP) and a keto-containing moiety (poly[2-(acetoacetoxy)ethyl methacrylate], PAAEMA) showed good stability after attachment to an APS amine-modified glass slide, as did both of the respective homopolymers. The PAAEMA homopolymer can attach to the APS amine groups via covalent linkages, while the PMOEP homopolymer most likely attaches through electrostatic interactions involving deprotonated phosphate and protonated amine groups. To elucidate the conformation of the block copolymer after attachment, particularly with respect to the PMOEP segment orientation, principal component analysis (PCA) of time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) spectra of the surface-attached polymer layers was performed. Comparison with the pure homopolymer spectra and interpretation after PCA indicate that the adsorbed conformation is not random. Rather, the copolymer is adsorbed in a conformation that preferentially exposes the PMOEP block toward the outer surface. We thus conclude that the most likely conformation of PMOEP-b-PAAEMA immobilized onto the APS-modified glass slide is via covalent interfacial linkages involving the PAAEMA block with the result that the surface is enriched in PMOEP tails. This in turn implies that under the conditions applied (dry DMF) the covalent coupling of keto groups to the amine groups of the aminated slide is more efficient than the proton transfer required for the generation of electrostatic attractions. This (partially) preferential orientation of the PMOEP-b-PAAEMA copolymer could have significant implications on interfacial interactions such as those involved in nucleation and the subsequent mineralization sequence of events in hydroxyapatite formation. The present study demonstrates that ToF-SIMS is a powerful tool not only for the investigation of the surface composition of adsorbed layers, but also for probing the molecular conformation of such adsorbed block copolymers, though care is required in the PCA analysis of multiple spectra.

Biomimetic hemocompatible coatings through immobilization of hyaluronan derivatives on metal surfaces

Biomimetic coatings offer exciting options to modulate the biocompatibility of biomaterials. The challenge is to create surfaces that undergo specific interactions with cells without promoting nonspecific fouling. This work reports an innovative approach toward biomimetic surfaces based on the covalent immobilization of a carboxylate terminated PEGylated hyaluronan (HA-PEG) onto plasma functionalized NiTi alloy surfaces. The metal substrates were aminated via two different plasma functionalization processes. Hyaluronan, a natural glycosaminoglycan and the major constituent of the extracellular matrix, was grafted to the substrates by reaction of the surface amines with the carboxylic acid terminated PEG spacer using carbodiimide chemistry. The surface modification was monitored at each step by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). HA-immobilized surfaces displayed increased hydrophilicity and reduced fouling, compared to bare surfaces, when exposed to human platelets (PLT) in an in vitro assay with radiolabeled platelets (204.1 +/- 123.8 x 10 (3) PLT/cm (2) vs 538.5 +/- 100.5 x 10 (3) PLT/cm (2) for bare metal, p < 0.05). Using a robust plasma patterning technique, microstructured hyaluronan surfaces were successfully created as demonstrated by XPS chemical imaging. The bioactive surfaces described present unique features, which result from the synergy between the intrinsic biological properties of hyaluronan and the chemical composition and morphology of the polymer layer immobilized on a metal surface.

Reactive epoxy-functionalized thin films by a pulsed plasma polymerization process

A novel plasma functionalization process based on the pulsed plasma polymerization of allyl glycidyl ether is reported for the generation of robust and highly reactive epoxy-functionalized surfaces with well-defined chemical properties. Using a multitechnique approach including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and ellipsometry, the effect of the plasma deposition parameters on the creation and retention of epoxy surface functionalities was characterized systematically. Under optimal plasma polymerization conditions (duty cycle: 1 ms/20 ms and 1 ms/200 ms), reactive uniform films with a high level of reproducibility were prepared and successfully used to covalently immobilize the model protein lysozyme. Surface derivatization was also carried out with ethanolamine to probe for epoxy groups. The ethanolamine blocked surface resisted nonspecific adsorption of lysozyme. Lysozyme immobilization was also done via microcontact printing. These results show that allyl glycidyl ether plasma polymer layers are an attractive strategy to produce a reactive epoxy functionalized surface on a wide range of substrate materials for biochip and other biotechnology applications.

PEGylation of porous silicon using click chemistry

Porous silicon has received considerable interest in recent years in a range of biomedical applications, with its performance determined by surface chemistry. In this work, we investigate the PEGylation of porous silicon wafers using click chemistry. The porous silicon wafer surface chemistry was monitored at each stage of the reaction via photoacoustic Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, whereas sessile drop contact angle and model protein adsorption measurements were used to characterize the final PEGylated surface. This work highlights the simplicity of click-chemistry-based functionalization in tailoring the porous silicon surface chemistry and controlling protein-porous silicon interactions.

Electrostatic self-assembly of PEG copolymers onto porous silica nanoparticles

A critical requirement toward the clinical use of nanocarriers in drug delivery applications is the development of optimal biointerfacial engineering procedures designed to resist biologically nonspecific adsorption events. Minimization of opsonization increases blood residence time and improves the ability to target solid tumors. We report the electrostatic self-assembly of polyethyleneimine-polyethylene glycol (PEI-PEG) copolymers onto porous silica nanoparticles. PEI-PEG copolymers were synthesized and their adsorption by self-assembly onto silica surfaces were investigated to achieve a better understanding of structure-activity relationships. Quartz-crystal microbalance (QCM) study confirmed the rapid and stable adsorption of the copolymers onto silica-coated QCM sensors driven by strong electrostatic interactions. XPS and FT-IR spectroscopy were used to analyze the coated surfaces, which indicated the presence of dense PEG layers on the silica nanoparticles. Dynamic light scattering was used to optimize the coating procedure. Monodisperse dispersions of the PEGylated nanoparticles were obtained in high yields and the thin PEG layers provided excellent colloidal stability. In vitro protein adsorption tests using 5% serum demonstrated the ability of the self-assembled copolymer layers to resist biologically nonspecific fouling and to prevent aggregation of the nanoparticles in physiological environments. These results demonstrate that the electrostatic self-assembly of PEG copolymers onto silica nanoparticles used as drug nanocarriers is a robust and efficient procedure, providing excellent control of their biointerfacial properties.

AFM study of the stability of a dense affinity-bound liposome layer

Liposomes that are surface-bound to a biomaterial such as a contact lens are of interest for localized delivery of therapeutic agents, but it is not known whether such liposome layers are sufficiently robust. The stability of a dense, PEG-functionalized layer of liposomes, affinity-bound onto a multilayer coated surface, was tested under various stress conditions using colloid-probe atomic force miscroscopy (AFM). The different stress effects were generated by varying the applied normal load of the probe and the impinging fluid shear through different approach velocities and by varying the applied lateral forces by scanning under increasing force loads. The effect of applied forces (normal and lateral) was further investigated by coating the probe with a layer of albumin. The liposomes remained intact following the ramping of both protein-coated and uncoated probes under the normal and lateral loads. The low-fouling nature of these liposomes, with respect to nonspecific protein adsorption, was also demonstrated from the interaction force measurements which showed only weak adhesion from the protein layer during the contact period of the albumin-coated probe. The observed adhesive interactions were concluded to be a direct result of the applied load from the probe, during the force measurements, rather than from attraction of the protein molecules for the surface-bound liposomes. The low frictional response of the liposome layer indicated the viscoelastic nature of these molecules, which enabled liposome structure retention during the continuous load application. The demonstrated stability of the liposomes presents a system of viable and localized drug delivery in, for example, ophthalmic applications.

Surface modification of nanoporous alumina membranes by plasma polymerization

The deposition of plasma polymer coatings onto porous alumina (PA) membranes was investigated with the aim of adjusting the surface chemistry and the pore size of the membranes. PA membranes from commercial sources with a range of pore diameters (20, 100 and 200 nm) were used and modified by plasma polymerization using n-heptylamine (HA) monomer, which resulted in a chemically reactive polymer surface with amino groups. Heptylamine plasma polymer (HAPP) layers with a thickness less than the pore diameter do not span the pores but reduce their diameter. Accordingly, by adjusting the deposition time and thus the thickness of the plasma polymer coating, it is feasible to produce any desired pore diameter. The structural and chemical properties of modified membranes were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and x-ray electron spectroscopy (XPS). The resultant PA membranes with specific surface chemistry and controlled pore size are applicable for molecular separation, cell culture, bioreactors, biosensing, drug delivery, and engineering complex composite membranes.

Das distale posttraumatische Ödem - Symptom einer sympathischen Reflexdystrophie (M. Sudeck)?

The present paper describes various mechanisms, possibly being involved in the development of the posttraumatic, distally generalized edema. New ideas point to a special importance of the sympathetic vasoconstrictor system for this clinical phenomenon, since this system could induce an enhanced venoconstriction at the exit of the capillary bed, which would result in an edema producing diminished venous return. Since the distally generalized edema is an initially and very commonly occurring symptom of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (M. Sudeck), the observation of such an edema should lead one to look for further symptoms of this disorder, especially for the typical triad of autonomic (sympathetic), motor, and sensory disturbances.

Antimicrobial compounds from Eremophila serrulata

We report a search for antimicrobial compounds in the Australian plant Eremophila serrulata. Bioassay directed fractionation of a diethyl ether extract prepared from the leaves of E. serrulata led to the isolation of two compounds, an omicron-naphthoquinone, 9-methyl-3-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-2,3-dihydronaphtho[1,8-bc]pyran-7,8-dione (2), and a serrulatane diterpenoid, 20-acetoxy-8-hydroxyserrulat-14-en-19-oic acid (3). Two other known serrulatane-type diterpenoids, 8,20-dihydroxyserrulat-14-en-19-oic acid (4) and 8,20-diacetoxyserrulat-14-en-19-oic acid (5) were also isolated. None of these compounds had previously been tested for antimicrobial activity. Compounds 2-5 showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213) with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 15.6 to 250mug/mL. Compound 2 was the most active with an MIC of 15.6mug/mL and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 125mug/mL. This compound also showed antimicrobial activity against other Gram-positive bacteria including Streptococcus pyogenes, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. No activity was observed for this compound against all Gram-negative bacteria tested.

Antimicrobial compounds from the Australian desert plant Eremophila neglecta

A crude extract from the Australian desert plant Eremophila neglecta has recently been shown to possess antibacterial activity in a survey of candidate plants that may bear novel antimicrobial compounds. Bioassay-directed fractionation of the Et(2)O extract of E. neglecta using a broth microdilution assay led to the isolation of three new serrulatane-type diterpenoids, 2,19-diacetoxy-8-hydroxyserrulat-14-ene (2), 8,19-dihydroxyserrulat-14-ene (3), and 8-hydroxyserrulat-14-en-19-oic acid (4), and a known o-naphthoquinone commonly referred to as biflorin (5). The structures of 2-5 were determined using 1D and 2D NMR, FTIR, and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Compounds 3-5 showed antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and S. pneumoniae. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) ranged from 6.5 to 101.6 microM and 12.7 to 202.9 microM, respectively. No activity was observed for these compounds against Gram-negative bacteria.

Antimicrobial activity of some Australian plant species from the genusEremophila

Plant species of the genus Eremophila (Myoporaceae) are native to Australia and are known to produce a diverse range of unusual secondary compounds. The purpose of this research was to examine the antimicrobial activity of 72 Eremophila species most of which had not been the subject of any previous pharmacological testing. Organic extracts of Eremophila species were screened for antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts of medical importance. Extracts of a number of Eremophila species showed selective activity against Gram-positive bacteria with MICs for the most active species in the range of 16 to 62 microg/ml for Streptococcus species, and 62 to 250 microg/ml for standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Extracts with the greatest activity against standard strains were tested against 68 clinical isolates of multi-resistant methicillin-resistant S. aureus (mMRSA). The majority of the clinical isolates were susceptible to concentrations below 62.5 microg/ml for the extracts of E. drummondii, E. linearis, E. serrulata, E. acrida, E. neglecta, E. virens and a new undescribed species affiliated with E. prolata. The extract of E. virens inhibited growth of all 68 clinical mMRSA isolates at the minimum tested concentration of 31 microg/ml. This study has shown for the first time that a number of different Eremophila species manifest selective antibacterial activity against Gram-positive organisms which are important causes of human disease. It shows that there are several Eremophila species possessing interesting antibacterial activity besides those that have published traditional use. These may yield novel antibacterial compounds with potential to be used in biomedical applications.

High salt stability and protein resistance of poly(L-lysine)-g-poly(ethylene glycol) copolymers covalently immobilized via aldehyde plasma polymer interlayers on inorganic and polymeric substrates

The electrostatic adsorption onto charged surfaces of comb copolymers comprising a polyelectrolyte backbone and pendent PEG side chains, such as poly(l-lysine)-g-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLL-g-PEG), has in previous studies provided protein-repellent thin coatings, particularly on metal oxide surfaces. A drawback of this approach is, however, the instability of such adsorbed layers under extreme pH values or high ionic strength. We have overcome this limitation in the present study by covalently immobilizing PLL-g-PEG copolymers onto aldehyde plasma-modified substrates. Silicon wafers, optical waveguide chips, and perfluorinated ethylene-co-propylene (FEP) polymer substrates were first coated with a thin plasma polymer layer using a propionaldehyde plasma, followed by covalent immobilization of PLL-g-PEG via reductive amination between amine groups of the PLL backbone with aldehyde groups on the plasma-deposited interlayer. The stability in high salt media and the protein resistance of different molecular architectures of immobilized PLL-g-PEG layers were quantitatively investigated by XPS, an optical waveguide technique (OWLS), and ToF-SIMS. The adsorption of bovine serum albumin was found to be below the detection limit (<2 ng/cm(2)), as for electrostatically adsorbed PLL-g-PEG layers. However, after 24 h of exposure of covalently immobilized layers of PLL-g-PEG to high ionic strength buffer (2400 mM NaCl), no significant change in the protein resistance was observed, whereas under the same conditions electrostatically adsorbed PLL-g-PEG coatings lost their protein resistance. Moreover, covalent immobilization via an aldehyde plasma interlayer enabled the application of PLL-g-PEG layers onto substrates such as FEP onto which electrostatic binding is not possible. These findings create a generic platform for the covalent immobilization of PLL-g-PEG onto a wide variety of substrates.

Colloid probe AFM investigation of interactions between fibrinogen and PEG-like plasma polymer surfaces

Interaction forces between surfaces designed to be protein resistant and fibrinogen (Fg) were investigated in phosphate-buffered saline with colloid probe atomic force microscopy. The surfaces of the silica probes were coated with a layer of fibrinogen molecules by adsorption from the buffer. The technique of low-power, pulsed AC plasma polymerization was used to make poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-like coatings on poly(ethylene teraphthalate) by using diethylene glycol vinyl ether as the monomer gas. The degree of PEG-like nature of the films was controlled by use of a different effective plasma power in the chamber for each coating, ranging from 0.6 to 3.6 W. This produced a series of thin films with a different number of ether carbons, as assessed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The interaction force measurements are discussed in relation to trends observed in the reduction of fibrinogen adsorption, as determined quantitatively by (125)I radio-labeling. The plasma polymer coatings with the greatest protein-repelling properties were the most PEG-like in nature and showed the strongest repulsion in interaction force measurements with the fibrinogen-coated probe. Once forced into contact, all the surfaces showed increased adhesion with the protein layer on the probe, and the strength and extension length of adhesion was dependent on both the applied load and the plasma polymer surface chemistry. When the medium was changed from buffer to water, the adhesion after contact was eliminated and only appeared at much higher loads. This indicates that the structure of the fibrinogen molecules on the probe is changed from an extended conformation in buffer to a flat conformation in water, with the former state allowing for stronger interaction with the polymer chains on the surface. These experiments underline the utility of aqueous surface force measurements toward understanding protein-surface interactions, and developing nonfouling surfaces that confer a steric barrier against protein adsorption.

Two-dimensional patterning of thin coatings for the control of tissue outgrowth

Control of the precise location and extent of cellular attachment and proliferation, and of tissue outgrowth is important in a number of biomedical applications, including biomaterials and tissue engineered medical devices. Here we describe a method to control and direct the location and define boundaries of tissue growth on surfaces in two dimensions. The method relies on the generation of a spatially defined surface chemistry comprising protein adsorbing and non-adsorbing areas that allow control over the adsorption of cell-adhesive glycoproteins. Surface modification was carried out by deposition of thin acetaldehyde and allylamine plasma polymer coatings on silicon wafer and FEP substrates, followed by grafting of a protein resistant layer of poly(ethylene oxide). Spatially controlled patterning of the surface chemistry was achieved by masking during plasma polymerization. XPS and AFM were used to provide evidence of successful surface modifications. Adsorption of the extracellular matrix protein collagen I followed by tissue outgrowth experiments with bovine corneal epithelial tissue for up to 21 days showed that two-dimensional control over tissue outgrowth is achievable with our patterning method over extended time frames. The method promises to be an effective tool for use in a number of in vitro and in vivo applications.

Effects of Ionic Strength and Surface Charge on Protein Adsorption at PEGylated Surfaces

PEGylated Nb2O5 surfaces were obtained by the adsorption of poly(L-lysine)-g-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLL-g-PEG) copolymers, allowing control of the PEG surface density, as well as the surface charge. PEG (MW 2 kDa) surface densities between 0 and 0.5 nm(-2) were obtained by changing the PEG to lysine-mer ratio in the PLL-g-PEG polymer, resulting in net positive, negative and neutral surfaces. Colloid probe atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to characterize the interfacial forces associated with the different surfaces. The AFM force analysis revealed interplay between electrical double layer and steric interactions, thus providing information on the surface charge and on the PEG layer thickness as a function of copolymer architecture. Adsorption of the model proteins lysozyme, alpha-lactalbumin, and myoglobin onto the various PEGylated surfaces was performed to investigate the effect of protein charge. In addition, adsorption experiments were performed over a range of ionic strengths, to study the role of electrostatic forces between surface charges and proteins acting through the PEG layer. The adsorbed mass of protein, measured by optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy (OWLS), was shown to depend on a combination of surface charge, protein charge, PEG thickness, and grafting density. At high grafting density and high ionic strength, the steric barrier properties of PEG determine the net interfacial force. At low ionic strength, however, the electrical double layer thickness exceeds the thickness of the PEG layer, and surface charges "shining through" the PEG layer contribute to protein interactions with PLL-g-PEG coated surfaces. The combination of AFM surface force measurements and protein adsorption experiments provides insights into the interfacial forces associated with various PEGylated surfaces and the mechanisms of protein resistance.

Relationship between interfacial forces measured by colloid-probe atomic force microscopy and protein resistance of poly(ethylene glycol)-grafted poly(L-lysine) adlayers on niobia surfaces

Adsorbed layers of "comb-type" copolymers consisting of PEG chains grafted onto a poly(l-lysine) (PLL) backbone on niobium oxide substrates were studied by colloid-probe AFM in order to characterize the interfacial forces associated with coatings of varying architectures (PEG/PLL ratios and PEG chain lengths) and their relevance to protein resistance. The steric and electrostatic forces measured varied substantially with the architecture of the PLL-g-PEG copolymers. Varying the ionic strength of the buffer solutions enabled discrimination between electrostatic and steric-entropic contributions to the net interfacial force. For high PEG grafting densities the steric component was most prominent, but at low ionic strengths and high grafting densities, a repulsive electrostatic surface force was also observed; its origin was assigned to the niobia charges beneath the copolymer, as insufficient protonated amine groups in the PLL backbone were available for compensation of the oxide surface charges. For lower grafting densities and lower ionic strengths there was a substantial attractive electrostatic contribution arising from interaction of the electrical double layer arising from the protonated amine groups, with that of the silica probe surface (as under low ionic strength conditions, the electrical double layer was thicker than the PEG layer). For these PLL-g-PEG coatings the net interfacial force can thus be a markedly varying superposition of electrostatic and steric-entropic contributions, depending on various factors. The force curves correlate with protein adsorption data, demonstrating the utility of AFM colloid-probe force measurements for quantitative analysis of surface forces and how they determine interfacial interactions with proteins. Such characterization of the net interfacial forces is essential to elucidate the multiple types of interfacial forces relevant to the interactions between PLL-g-PEG coatings and proteins and to advance interpretation of protein adsorption or repellence beyond the oversimplified steric barrier model; in particular, our data demonstrate the importance of an ionic-strength-dependent minimum PEG layer thickness to screen the electrostatic interactions of charged interfaces.

Thin calcium phosphate coatings on titanium by electrochemical deposition in modified simulated body fluid

Adherent and optically semitransparent thin calcium phosphate (CaP) films were electrochemically deposited on titanium substrates in a modified simulated body fluid at 37 degrees C. Coatings deposited by using periodic pulsed potentials showed better adhesion and better mechanical properties than coatings deposited with use of a constant potential. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the morphology of the coatings. The coatings displayed a polydispersed porous structure with pores in the range of a few nanometers to 1 mum. Furthermore, X-ray diffractometry and the O(1s) satellite peaks in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that the coatings possessed a similar surface chemistry to that of natural bone minerals. These results were confirmed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, which yielded a Ca:P ratio of 1.65, close to that of hydroxyapatite. Contact mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed the average thickness of the coatings was in the order of 200 nm. Root-mean-square (RMS) roughness values, also derived by AFM, were shown to be much higher on the titanium-CaP surfaces in comparison with untreated titanium substrates, with RMS values of about 300 and 110 nm, respectively. Cell culture experiments showed that the CaP surfaces are nontoxic to MG63 osteoblastic cells in vitro and were able to support cell growth for up to 4 days, outperforming the untreated titanium surface in a direct comparison. These easily prepared coatings show promise for hard-tissue biomaterials.