Sequential Adsorption of Human Serum Albumin (HSA), Immunoglobulin G (IgG), and Fibrinogen (Fgn) at HMDSO Plasma Polymer Surfaces

Glutaraldehyde-Polymerized Hemerythrin: Evaluation of Performance as an Oxygen Carrier in Hemorrhage Models

Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) have been proposed and tested for several decades for the treatment of hemorrhage. We have previously proposed replacing hemoglobin (Hb) in HBOC with the oxygen-carrying protein hemerythrin (Hr), from marine worms, showing that Hr-based derivatives can perform at least as well or even better than Hb-based HBOC in a range of in vitro assays involving oxidative and nitrosative stress as well as in top-up animal models, where small amounts of Hr- or Hb-HBOC were injected into rats. Here, these experiments are extended to a hemorrhage experiment, in which Hr polymerized with glutaraldehyde, alone or conjugated with human serum albumin, is administered after a loss of 20-30% blood volume. The performance of these preparations is compared with that of Hb-based HBOC measured under the same conditions. Polymerized Hr is found to decrease the survival rate and can hence cannot be used as an oxygen carrier in transfusions. On the other hand, an Hr-albumin copolymer restores survival rates to 100% and generally yields biochemical and histological parameters similar to those of glutaraldehyde-polymerized bovine hemoglobin, with the exception of an acid-base imbalance. The latter may be solved by employing an allogeneic albumin as opposed to the human albumin employed in the present study.

Enhancement of the anticoagulant capacity of polyvinyl chloride tubing for cardiopulmonary bypass circuit using aluminum oxide nanoscale coating applied through atomic layer deposition

For cardiopulmonary bypass, the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) circuit which can initiate the activation of platelets and the coagulation cascade after blood cell contacting is the possible detrimental effect. Surface coating of the PVC tubing system can be an effective approach to enhance circuit's hemocompatibility. In this study, aluminum oxide (Al₂ O₃ ) thin films were deposited through thermal atomic layer deposition (T-ALD) or plasma-enhanced ALD (PE-ALD) on PVC samples, and the anticoagulation of the Al₂ O₃ -coated PVC samples was demonstrated. The results revealed that Al₂ O₃ deposition through ALD increased surface roughness, whereas T-ALD had a relative hydrophilicity compared with blank PVC and PE-ALD. Whole blood immersion tests showed that blood clots formed on blank PVC and that a large amount of red blood cells was found on PE-ALD substrates, whereas less blood cells were noted in T-ALD samples. Both T-ALD and PE-ALD Al₂ O₃ films did not cause activation of blood cells, as evidenced in CD3⁺ /CD4⁺ /CD8⁺ , CD61⁺ /CD62P⁺ , and CD45⁺ /CD42b⁺ populations. Analysis of serum coagulation factors showed that a lower amount of prothrombin was absorbed on T-ALD Al₂ O₃ samples than that on blank PVC. For albumin and fibrinogen immersion tests, immunostaining and scanning electron microscopy further revealed that a thin albumin layer was absorbed on T-ALD Al₂ O₃ substrates but not on PVC samples. This study revealed that deposition of Al₂ O₃ films by T-ALD can improve anticoagulation of the PVC tubing system.

Adsorption of Fibrinogen and Fibronectin on Elastomeric Poly(butylene succinate) Copolyesters

Proteins adsorbed onto biomaterial surfaces facilitate cell-material interactions, including adhesion and migration. Of particular importance are provisional matrix components, fibrinogen (Fg) and fibronectin (Fn), which play an important role in the wound-healing process. Here, to assess the potential of a series of elastomeric poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) copolymers for soft tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications, we examined the adsorption of Fg and Fn. We prepared spin-coated thin films of the poly(butylene succinate) homopolymer and a series of elastomeric poly(butylene succinate) copolymers with butylene succinate (PBS, hard segment) to succinate-dimer linoleic diol unit (dilinoleic succinate (DLS), soft segments) weight ratios of 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50. X-ray diffraction was used to assess crystallinity, whereas the obtained thin films were characterized using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) and atomic force microscopy. Protein adsorption was assessed using QCM-D, followed by data analysis using viscoelastic modeling. On all three copolymers, we observed robust adsorption of both key provisional matrix proteins. Importantly, for both proteins, viscoelastic modeling determined that the adlayers were 30-40 nm thick and had low shear modulus values (<25 kPa), thus indicating soft orientations (end-on for Fg) or conformations (open for Fn) of the hydrated proteins. Overall, our results are very encouraging, as they predict excellent cell adhesion and migration, key features enabling tissue integration of potential PBS-DLS scaffolds.

Protein Adsorption and Coordination-Based End-Tethering of Functional Polymers on Metal-Phenolic Network Films

Metal-phenolic network (MPN) coatings have generated increasing interest owing to their biologically inspired nature, facile fabrication, and near-universal adherence, especially for biomedical applications. However, a key issue in biomedicine is protein fouling, and the adsorption of proteins on tannic acid-based MPNs remains to be comprehensively studied. Herein, we investigate the interaction of specific biomedically relevant proteins in solution (e.g., bovine serum albumin (BSA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), fibrinogen) and complex biological media (serum) using layer-by-layer-assembled tannic acid/Fe^III MPN films. When Fe^III was the outermost layer, galloyl-modified poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (P(EtOx)-Gal) could be grafted to the films through coordination bonds. Protein fouling and bacterial adhesion were greatly suppressed after functionalization with P(EtOx)-Gal and the mass of adsorbed protein was reduced by 79%. Interestingly, larger proteins adsorbed more on both the MPNs and P(EtOx)-functionalized MPNs. This study provides fundamental information on the interactions of MPNs with single proteins, mixtures of proteins as encountered in serum, and the noncovalent, coordination-based, functionalization of MPN films.

Anionic biopolyelectrolytes of the syndecan/perlecan superfamily: physicochemical properties and medical significance

In the review article presented here, we demonstrate that the connective tissue is more than just a matrix for cells and a passive scaffold to provide physical support. The extracellular matrix can be subdivided into proteins (collagen, elastin), glycoconjugates (structural glycoproteins, proteoglycans) and glycosaminoglycans (hyaluronan). Our main focus rests on the anionic biopolyelectrolytes of the perlecan/syndecan superfamily which belongs to extracellular matrix and cell membrane integral proteoglycans. Though the extracellular domain of the syndecans may well be performing a structural role within the extracellular matrix, a key function of this class of membrane intercalated proteoglycans may be to act as signal transducers across the plasma membrane and thus be more appropriately included in the group of cell surface receptors. Nevertheless, there is a continuum in functions of syndecans and perlecans, especially with respect to their structural role and biomedical significance. HS/CS proteoglycans are receptor sites for lipoprotein binding thus intervening directly in lipid metabolism. We could show that among all lipoproteins, HDL has the highest affinity to these proteoglycans and thus instals a feedforward forechecking loop against atherogenic apoB100 lipoprotein deposition on surface membranes and in subendothelial spaces. Therefore, HDL is not only responsible for VLDL/IDL/LDL cholesterol exit but also controls thoroughly the entry. This way, it inhibits arteriosclerotic nanoplaque formation. The ternary complex 'lipoprotein receptor (HS/CS-PG) - lipoprotein (LDL, oxLDL, Lp(a)) - calcium' may be interpreted as arteriosclerotic nanoplaque build-up on the molecular level before any cellular reactivity, possibly representing the arteriosclerotic primary lesion combined with endothelial dysfunction. With laser-based ellipsometry we could demonstrate that nanoplaque formation is a Ca(2+)-driven process. In an in vitro biosensor application of HS-PG coated silica surfaces we tested nanoplaque formation and size in clinical trials with cardiovascular high-risk patients who underwent treatment with ginkgo or fluvastatin. While ginkgo reduced nanoplaque formation (size) by 14.3% (23.4%) in the isolated apoB100 lipid fraction at a normal blood Ca(2+) concentration, the effect of the statin with a reduction of 44.1% (25.4%) was more pronounced. In addition, ginkgo showed beneficial effects on several biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Besides acting as peripheral lipoprotein binding receptor, HS/CS-PG is crucially implicated in blood flow sensing. A sensor molecule has to fulfil certain mechanochemical and mechanoelectrical requirements. It should possess viscoelastic and cation binding properties capable of undergoing conformational changes caused both mechanically and electrostatically. Moreover, the latter should be ion-specific. Under no-flow conditions, the viscoelastic polyelectrolyte at the endothelium - blood interface assumes a random coil form. Blood flow causes a conformational change from the random coil state to the directed filament structure state. This conformational transition effects a protein unfurling and molecular elongation of the GAG side chains like in a 'stretched' spring. This configuration is therefore combined with an increase in binding sites for Na(+) ions. Counterion migration of Na(+) along the polysaccharide chain is followed by transmembrane Na(+) influx into the endothelial cell and by endothelial cell membrane depolarization. The simultaneous Ca(2+) influx releases NO and PGI2, vasodilatation is the consequence. Decrease in flow reverses the process. Binding of Ca(2+) and/or apoB100 lipoproteins (nanoplaque formation) impairs the flow sensor function. The physicochemical and functional properties of proteoglycans are due to their amphiphilicity and anionic polyelectrolyte character. Thus, they potently interact with cations, albeit in a rather complex manner. Utilizing (23)Na(+) and (39)K(+) NMR techniques, we could show that, both in HS-PG solutions and in native vascular connective tissue, the mode of interaction for monovalent cations is competition. Mg(2+) and Ca(2+) ions, however, induced a conformational change leading to an increased allosteric, cooperative K(+) and Na(+) binding, respectively. Since extracellular matrices and basement membranes form a tight-fitting sheath around the cell membrane of muscle and Schwann cells, in particular around sinus node cells of the heart, and underlie all epithelial and endothelial cell sheets and tubes, a release of cations from or an adsorption to these polyanionic macromolecules can transiently lead to fast and drastic activity changes in these tiny extracellular tissue compartments. The ionic currents underlying pacemaker and action potential of sinus node cells are fundamentally modulated. Therefore, these polyelectrolytic ion binding characteristics directly contribute to and intervene into heart rhythm.

In vitro and in vivo investigation of the potential of amorphous microporous silica as a protein delivery vehicle

Delivering growth factors (GFs) at bone/implant interface needs to be optimized to achieve faster osseointegration. Amorphous microporous silica (AMS) has a potential to be used as a carrier and delivery platform for GFs. In this work, adsorption (loading) and release (delivery) mechanism of a model protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA), from AMS was investigated in vitro as well as in vivo. In general, strong BSA adsorption to AMS was observed. The interaction was stronger at lower pH owing to favorable electrostatic interaction. In vitro evaluation of BSA release revealed a peculiar release profile, involving a burst release followed by a 6 h period without appreciable BSA release and a further slower release later. Experimental data supporting this observation are discussed. Apart from understanding protein/biomaterial (BSA/AMS) interaction, determination of in vivo protein release is an essential aspect of the evaluation of a protein delivery system. In this regard micropositron emission tomography (μ-PET) was used in an exploratory experiment to determine in vivo BSA release profile from AMS. Results suggest stronger in vivo retention of BSA when adsorbed on AMS. This study highlights the possible use of AMS as a controlled protein delivery platform which may facilitate osseointegration.

Protein adsorption onto nanozeolite: effect of micropore openings

A clear and deep understanding of protein adsorption on porous surfaces is desirable for the reasonable design and applications of porous materials. In this study, the effect of surface micropores on protein adsorption was systematically investigated by comparing adsorption behavior of cytochrome c (Cyto-c) and Candida antarctica Lipase B (CALB) on porous and non-porous nanozeolites silicalite-1 and Beta. It was found that micropore openings on the surface of nanozeolites played a key role in determining adsorption affinity, conformations, and activities of proteins. Both Cyto-c and CALB showed higher affinity to porous nanozeolites than to non-porous ones, resulting in greater conformational change of proteins on porous surfaces which in turn affected their bio-catalytic performance. The activity of Cyto-c improved while that of CALB decreased on porous nanozeolites. Recognition of certain amino acid residues or size-matching secondary structures by micropore openings on the surface of nanozeolites was proposed to be the reason. Moreover, the pore opening effect of porous nanozeolites on protein behavior could be altered by changing protein coverage on them. This study gives a novel insight into the interaction between proteins and microporous materials, which will help to guide the rational fabrication and bio-applications of porous materials in the future.

Amino and carboxyl plasma functionalization of collagen films for tissue engineering applications

Type I collagen films have been functionalized on their surfaces by plasma treatment with carboxyl and amino groups to improve their potential for grafting bioactive molecules. The physico-chemical properties of the plasma-treated films were evaluated and compared to the untreated materials by water contact angle, SEM and AFM. The presence of new functional groups on the film surfaces has been assessed by ATR-FTIR spectra after chemical derivatization. Moreover, the biocompatibility of the plasma-treated films was studied with MG-63 human osteoblast-like cells, evaluating cell proliferation, viability and morphology at 1, 3 and 7 days.

Influence of acylation on the adsorption of GLP-2 to hydrophobic surfaces

Acylation of proteins with a fatty acid chain has proven useful for prolonging the plasma half-lives of proteins. In formulation of acylated protein drugs, knowledge about the effect of acylation with fatty acids on the adsorption behaviour of proteins at interfaces will be valuable. The aim of this work was to study the effect of acylation on the adsorption of GLP-2 from aqueous solution to a hydrophobic surface by comparing the adsorption of the 3766 Da GLP-2 with that of a GLP-2 variant acylated with a 16-carbon fatty acid chain through a β-alanine linker. Adsorption of GLP-2 and acylated GLP-2 were studied with isothermal titration calorimetry, fixed-angle optical reflectometry and total internal reflection fluorescence. Furthermore, the effect of acylation of GLP-2 on the secondary structure was studied with Far-UV CD. Acylation was observed to have several effects on the adsorption of GLP-2. Acylation increased the amount of GLP-2 adsorbing per unit surface area and decreased the initial adsorption rate of GLP-2. Finally, acylation increased the strength of the adsorption, as judged by the lower fraction desorbing upon rinsing with buffer.

Adsorption of HSA, IgG and laminin-1 on model titania surfaces--effects of glow discharge treatment on competitively adsorbed film composition

This study investigated the effect of glow discharge treatment of titania surfaces on plasma protein adsorption, by means of ellipsometry and mechanically assisted SDS elution. The adsorption and film elution of three plasma proteins, viz. human serum albumin (HSA), human immunoglobulin G (IgG) and laminin-1, as well as competitive adsorption from a mixture of the three proteins, showed that the adsorbed amount of the individual proteins after 1 h increased in the order HSA <IgG <laminin-1 ≤ protein mixture. Film elutability showed that 30 min of SDS interaction resulted in almost complete removal of adsorbed films. No difference in the total adsorbed amounts of individual proteins, or from the mixture, was observed between untreated and glow discharge treated titania surfaces. However, the composition of the adsorbed films from the mixture differed between the untreated and glow discharge treated substrata. On glow discharge-treated titania the fraction of HSA increased, the fraction of laminin-1 decreased and the fraction of IgG was unchanged compared to the adsorption on the untreated titania, which was attributed to protein-protein interactions and competitive/associative adsorption behaviour.

Understanding protein adsorption phenomena at solid surfaces

Protein adsorption at solid surfaces plays a key role in many natural processes and has therefore promoted a widespread interest in many research areas. Despite considerable progress in this field there are still widely differing and even contradictive opinions on how to explain the frequently observed phenomena such as structural rearrangements, cooperative adsorption, overshooting adsorption kinetics, or protein aggregation. In this review recent achievements and new perspectives on protein adsorption processes are comprehensively discussed. The main focus is put on commonly postulated mechanistic aspects and their translation into mathematical concepts and model descriptions. Relevant experimental and computational strategies to practically approach the field of protein adsorption mechanisms and their impact on current successes are outlined.

Competitive protein adsorption--multilayer adsorption and surface induced protein aggregation

In this study, competitive adsorption of albumin and IgG (immunoglobulin G) from human serum solutions and protein mixtures onto polymer surfaces is studied by means of radioactive labeling. By using two different radiolabels (125I and 131I), albumin and IgG adsorption to polymer surfaces is monitored simultaneously and the influence from the presence of other human serum proteins on albumin and IgG adsorption, as well as their mutual influence during adsorption processes, is investigated. Exploring protein adsorption by combining analysis of competitive adsorption from complex solutions of high concentration with investigation of single protein adsorption and interdependent adsorption between two specific proteins enables us to map protein adsorption sequences during competitive protein adsorption. Our study shows that proteins can adsorb in a multilayer fashion onto the polymer surfaces and that the outcome of IgG adsorption is much more sensitive to surface characteristics than the outcome of albumin adsorption. Using high concentrations of protein solution and hydrophobic polymer surfaces during adsorption can induce IgG aggregation, which is observed as extremely high IgG adsorptions. Besides using a more hydrophilic substrate, surface-induced IgG aggregation can be inhibited by changing the adsorption sequence of albumin and IgG.

A Comprehensive Study of Concepts and Phenomena of the Nonspecific Adsorption of β-Lactoglobulin

We investigate nonspecific protein adsorption processes by comparing experimentally measured adsorption kinetics of beta-lactoglobulin with mathematical models. The adsorption and desorption behavior of this protein on a hydrophilic glass surface in citrate buffer (pH 3.0), monitored for a large set of different bulk concentrations (0.5x10(-8) M-1.5x10(-6) M) using a supercritical angle fluorescence (SAF) biosensor, is reported. Increasing adsorption rates and overshootings in the beginning of the adsorption are observed as well as a transition to an almost irreversibly bound state of the protein in the long term. Furthermore, rinsing experiments prove that adsorbed proteins abruptly change their desorption behavior from irreversible to reversible when a critical surface coverage theta(crit) is reached. Based on all experimental observations, a mathematical model composed of three adsorbed states differing in their surface affinity is proposed. Terms to account for lateral interactions between surface-bound proteins are included, which yield an excellent fit of the measured kinetics. For the first time, several phenomena that have been discussed in theoretical studies are confirmed by comparing experimental data with a single model.

Adsorption of human insulin and AspB28 insulin on a PTFE-like surface

The interactions of human insulin, Zn-free human insulin, and AspB28 insulin with a hydrophobic surface were studied by ellipsometry. All three insulin types investigated adsorbed with high affinity onto the hydrophobic surface, as the plateau of the adsorption isotherm, represented by the irreversible bound fraction, was reached at concentrations >10(-3) mg/ml. The plateau values for human insulin and Zn-free human insulin could not be distinguished with statistical significance, whereas the plateau value for AspB28 insulin was lower than those for the two others, with an adsorbed amount corresponding to a monolayer of insulin monomers. The results observed may be explained by differences in self-association patterns of the insulin types or by enhanced charge repulsion between the AspB28 analog and the negatively charged surface.

On the adsorption of proteins on solid surfaces, a common but very complicated phenomenon

Adsorption of proteins on solid surfaces and their interaction are major concerns in a number of fields such as biology, medicine, biotechnology and food processing, and play an important role from various points of view. Based on practical viewpoints, information on the conformation of the adsorbed protein as well as adsorption characteristics is essential for a system's performance. Although there are still many problems to be solved, extensive studies in recent years, owing to the development in instrumentation and instrumental techniques, reveal the adsorption behavior of proteins in detail. Here, we stress the importance and interesting aspect of protein adsorption on solid surfaces by reviewing findings that have been obtained in recent years.

Poly(N-acryloylsarcosine methyl ester) Protein-Resistant Surfaces

A new class of protein-resistant film based on N-substituted glycine derivatives is described. Pulsed plasma deposited poly(N-acryloylsarcosine methyl ester) coatings are shown to be resistant toward the adsorption of fibrinogen and lysozyme. Deposition and UV irradiation of the polymer through a masked grid are found to be effective ways for generating negative and positive image protein arrays, respectively, onto a range of different substrate materials.

Displacement of adsorbed insulin by Tween 80 monitored using total internal reflection fluorescence and ellipsometry

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to investigate the mechanism of action in the displacement of adsorbed insulin from a hydrophobic surface by Tween 80 and of the competitive adsorption of the two species.

METHODS

Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) and ellipsometry were used as in situ methods to examine the processes taking place at hydrophobic model surfaces in the presence of insulin and Tween 80.

RESULTS

TIRF studies showed that the displacement of insulin by Tween 80 could be fitted to a sigmoidal function, indicating a nucleation-dependent process. Furthermore, a linear dependence between the apparent rate constant and the logarithm of the Tween 80 concentration was found. Competitive adsorption from solution mixtures of insulin and Tween 80 indicated that insulin was adsorbed first, but subsequently displaced by the surfactant. This displacement proved also to be dependent on the concentration of Tween 80 in the mixture.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that Tween 80 at concentrations above critical micelle concentration can be used to protect insulin against surface adsorption. The presence of a lag phase in the displacement at low surfactant concentration indicates that the mechanism of action for Tween 80 to reduce adsorption of insulin may be by competing for sites at the surface.

Direct correlation between adsorption-induced changes in protein structure and platelet adhesion

It is widely recognized that adsorbed proteins on biomaterial surfaces tend to initiate thrombus formation, although the specific mechanisms involved are still not well understood. In attempts to decrease the conformational change of adsorbed proteins, surface treatments that reduce surface hydrophobicity have been considered, such as the sulfonation of low-density polyethylene and isotactic polypropylene. The objectives of this present research were to study how changes in surface chemistry influence the degree of conformational change of adsorbing proteins and to investigate the correlation between the change in adsorbed protein structure and platelet response. Adsorbed porcine serum albumin and porcine fibrinogen were used as the model proteins for determining the effects of sulfonation on protein conformational change. Circular dichroism spectroscopy studies showed that the proteins were less altered structurally on the sulfonated surfaces. Platelet adhesion studies were used to correlate the number of adhered platelets with the amount of conformational change in adsorbed proteins on the polymer surface. The results of these studies show a linear correlation between platelet adhesion and the degree of adsorption-induced protein conformational change. These findings suggest that the degree of protein conformational change after adsorption is a dominant mechanism governing platelet interactions with biomaterial surfaces.

Biosensing of arteriosclerotic nanoplaque formation and interaction with an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor

Proteoheparan sulphate can be adsorbed to a methylated silica surface in a monomolecular layer via its transmembrane hydrophobic protein core domain. As a result of electrostatic repulsion, its anionic glycosaminoglycan side chains are stretched out into the blood substitute solution, thereby representing one receptor site for specific lipoprotein binding through basic amino acid-rich residues within their apolipoproteins. The binding process was studied by ellipsometric techniques suggesting that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) has a high binding affinity and a protective effect on interfacial heparan sulphate proteoglycan layers with respect to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and Ca2+ complexation. Low-density lipoprotein was found to deposit strongly at the proteoheparan sulphate-coated surface, particularly in the presence of Ca2+, apparently through complex formation 'proteoglycan-LDL-calcium'. This ternary complex build-up may be interpreted as arteriosclerotic nanoplaque formation on the molecular level responsible for the arteriosclerotic primary lesion. On the other hand, HDL bound to heparan sulphate proteoglycan protected against LDL deposition and completely suppressed calcification of the proteoglycan-lipoprotein complex. In addition, HDL was able to decelerate the ternary complex deposition. Therefore, HDL attached to its proteoglycan receptor sites is thought to raise a multidomain barrier, selection and control motif for transmembrane and paracellular lipoprotein uptake into the arterial wall. Although much remains unclear regarding the mechanism of lipoprotein depositions at proteoglycan-coated surfaces, it seems clear that the use of such systems offers possibilities for investigating lipoprotein deposition at a 'nanoscopic' level under close to physiological conditions. In particular, Ca2+-promoted LDL deposition and the protective effect of HDL even at high Ca2+ and LDL concentrations agree well with previous clinical observations regarding risk and beneficial factors for early stages of atherosclerosis. Considering this, the system was tested on its reliability in a biosensor application in order to unveil possible acute pleiotropic effects of the lipid lowering drug fluvastatin. The very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)/intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL)/LDL plasma fraction from a high risk patient with dyslipoproteinaemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus showed beginning arteriosclerotic nanoplaque formation already at a normal blood Ca2+ concentration, with a strong increase at higher Ca2+ concentrations. Fluvastatin, whether applied to the patient (one single 80 mg slow release matrix tablet) or acutely in the experiment (2.2 micromol L-1), markedly slowed down this process of ternary aggregational nanoplaque complexation at all Ca2+ concentrations used. This action resulted without any significant change in lipid concentrations of the patient. Furthermore, after ternary complex build-up, fluvastatin, similar to HDL, was able to reduce nanoplaque adsorption and size. These immediate effects of fluvastatin have to be taken into consideration while interpreting the clinical outcome of long-term studies.

PEO-grafting on PU/PS IPNs for enhanced blood compatibility--effect of pendant length and grafting density

Polyurethane (PU) homopolymers and PU/polystyrene (PS) interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) were successfully synthesized changing the length of the pendant poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) chains and the grafting density of PEO chains. All the PU/PS IPNs had the microphase-separated structures in which the PS-rich phase domains were dispersed in the matrix of the PU-rich phase. The domain size decreased a little, as the degree of grafting with PEO chains was increased. The water swelling ratio increased, and the interfacial energy decreased, as the length of the pendant PEO chains, and the grafting density of PEO chains of the PEO-grafted PU/PS IPNs were increased, since the mobile hydrophilic pendant PEO chains effectively induced and absorbed the water, when they were contacted with water. The hydrophilic and highly concentrated pendant PEO chains could easily prohibit the adhesion of the fibrinogens and the platelets on the surface, and the blood compatibility of IPNs was enhanced by increasing of grafting with PEO chains. The adsorption of the fibrinogens and the platelets was suppressed, as the length of pendant PEO chains, and the grafting density were increased.

A receptor-based biosensor for lipoprotein docking at the endothelial surface and vascular matrix

Proteoheparan sulfate can be adsorbed to a methylated silica surface in a monomolecular layer via its transmembrane hydrophobic protein core domain. Due to electrostatic repulsion, its anionic glycosaminoglycan side chains are stretched out into the blood substitute solution, representing a receptor site for specific lipoprotein binding through basic amino acid-rich residues within their apolipoproteins. The binding process was studied by ellipsometric techniques showing that HDL has a high binding affinity to the receptor and a protective effect on interfacial heparan sulfate proteoglycan layers, with respect to LDL and Ca(2+) complexation. LDL was found to deposit strongly at the proteoheparan sulfate, particularly in the presence of Ca(2+), thus creating the complex formation "proteoglycan-low density lipoprotein-calcium". This ternary complex build-up may be interpreted as arteriosclerotic nanoplaque formation on the molecular level responsible for the arteriosclerotic primary lesion. On the other hand, HDL bound to heparan sulfate proteoglycan protected against LDL docking and completely suppressed calcification of the proteoglycan-lipoprotein complex. In addition, HDL and aqueous garlic extract were able to reduce the ternary complex deposition and to disintegrate HS-PG/LDL/Ca(2+) aggregates. Although much remains unclear regarding the mechanism of lipoprotein depositions at proteoglycan-coated surfaces, it seems clear that the use of such systems offers possibilities for investigating lipoprotein deposition at a "nanoscopic" level under close to physiological conditions. In particular, Ca(2+)-promoted LDL deposition and the protective effect of HDL, even at high Ca(2+) and LDL concentrations, agree well with previous clinical observations regarding risk and beneficial factors for early stages of atherosclerosis. Therefore, we believe that the system can be of some use in investigations, e.g. of the interplay between different lipoproteins in arteriosclerotic plaque formation, as well as in high throughput screening of candidate drugs to atherosclerosis in a biosensor application.

Adsorption of Poly(ethylene oxide)-Poly(lactide) Copolymers. Effects of Composition and Degradation

The effect of chemical degradation of two diblock copolymers of poly(ethylene oxide) (E) and poly(lactide) (L), E(39)L(5) and E(39)L(20), on their adsorption at silica and methylated silica was investigated with in situ ellipsometry. Steric stablization of polystyrene dispersions was investigated in relation to degradation. Hydrolysis of the poly(lactide) block of the copolymers was followed at different temperatures and pH by using HPLC to measure the occurrence of lactic acid in solution. The block copolymers were quite stable in pH-unadjusted solution at low temperature, whereas degradation was facilitated by increasing temperature or lowering of the pH. Lower degradation rates of E(39)L(20) where observed at low temperature in comparison with those of E(39)L(5), whereas the degradation rates of the copolymers were quantitatively similar at high temperature. The adsorption of the copolymers at methylated silica substrates decreased with increasing degree of degradation due to the reduction in the ability of hydrophobic block to anchor the copolymer layer at the surface. At silica the adsorption initially increased with increasing degradation, particularly for E(39)L(20) due to deposition of aggregates onto the surface. After extensive degradation the adsorption of the copolymers at both silica and methylated silica resembled that of the corresponding poly(ethylene oxide) homopolymer. Overall, it was found that the eventual reduction in adsorption occurred at a lower degree of degradation for E(39)L(5) than for E(39)L(20). Mean-field calculations showed a reduced anchoring for the block copolymers with decreasing poly(lactide) block length at hydrophobic surfaces. In accordance with this finding, it was observed that polystyrene dispersions were stabilized by E(39)L(20) or E(39)L(5) in a way that depended on both the lactide block length and the degree of degradation. Upon degradation of the hydrophobic block, stabilization of the polystyrene dispersions was maintained initially, but eventually degradation resulted in destabilization. The average residual copolymer concentration required for stabilization of the polystyrene dispersions was much higher than the corresponding concentration of intact copolymer required for stabilization. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

Orientations of liquid crystals on mechanically rubbed films of bovine serum albumin: a possible substrate for biomolecular assays based on liquid crystals

We report the uniform planar anchoring of thermotropic liquid crystals on films of bovine serum albumin (BSA) covalently immobilized on the surface of glass microscope slides and mechanically rubbed using a cloth. The azimuthal orientations of the liquid crystals were measured to be parallel to the direction of rubbing. Following immersion and removal of these rubbed films of BSA from aqueous solutions containing either BSA, fibrinogen, lysozyme, anti-FITC immunoglobulin G (IgG), or antistreptavidin IgG, we measured liquid crystals placed onto these surfaces to largely retain their uniform alignment. In contrast, following immersion of a rubbed film of BSA into an aqueous solution of anti-BSA IgG, we observed liquid crystals on these surfaces to assume nonuniform orientations. We conclude that specific binding of anti-BSA IgG to the film of rubbed BSA erased anisotropy induced within the film of BSA by rubbing. This result suggests that the spatial scale of anisotropy within the rubbed film of BSA is comparable to or smaller than the size of the IgG molecule. Because the anisotropy within a rubbed film of a protein can be erased by specific binding of a second protein, we believe these types of substrates (rubbed films of proteins) have the potential to be useful in a variety of label-free biomolecular assays where specific binding of a target species to its ligand can be imaged through observation of the optical appearance of liquid crystal placed onto the surface.

The in vitro blood compatibility of poly(ethylene oxide)-grafted polyurethane/polystyrene interpenetrating polymer networks

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-grafted polyurethane (PU)/polystyrene (PS) interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) were synthesized. The effects of the mobile pendant PEO chains with their microphase separated structure on blood-compatibility were investigated. The morphology of both the fracture surface as well as the top surface indicate that the size of the dispersed domains of the PS-rich phase decreased as the grafting with the PEO was increased. The swelling ratio also decreased as the grafting with the PEO was increased. However, the dynamic contact angle and the interfacial energy between IPN surface and water decreased, due to the structural reorganization of the pendant PEO chains. PU/PS IPNs have an excellent mechanical property as compared with PU homopolymers. The adsorption of bovine plasma fibrinogen (BPF) onto the PU/PS IPNs and PU homopolymers was effectively suppressed by the PEO-grafting. In the platelet adhesion test, the amount of platelets adsorbed, activated, and/or coagulated upon the PEO-grafted PU/PS IPNs were reduced when compared to the ungrafted PU homopolymers.

Ellipsometry Studies of Lipoprotein Adsorption

The adsorption of a number of lipoproteins, i.e., low-density lipoprotein (LDL), oxidized LDL (oxLDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and lipoprotein (a), at silica and methylated silica as well as at the latter surface modified through adsorption of proteoheparan sulfate, was investigated with in situ ellipsometry at close to physiological conditions. It was found that LDL, oxLDL, HDL, and lipoprotein (a) all adsorbed more extensively at silica than at methylated silica. Upon exposure of the methylated silica surface to proteoheparan sulfate, this proteoglycan adsorbs through its hydrophobic moiety, thereby forming a layer similar to that in the biological system, with the polysaccharide chains forming brushes oriented toward the aqueous solution. Analogous to the biological system, both lipoprotein (a) and LDL were found to deposit at such surfaces, the latter particularly in the simultaneous presence of Ca(2+). After HDL pre-exposure, however, no LDL deposition was observed, even at high LDL and Ca(2+) concentrations. These findings correlate well with those obtained from clinical investigations on risk factors for atherosclerosis. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Measurements Using the Quartz Crystal Microbalance Technique of Ferritin Monolayers on Methyl-Thiolated Gold: Dependence of Energy Dissipation and Saturation Coverage on Salt Concentration

The adsorption kinetics of ferritin as a function of ionic strength has been studied with a new quartz crystal microbalance technique, allowing simultaneous measurement of the frequency shift (proportional to the mass uptake under certain conditions) and of changes in the energy dissipation caused by the adlayer. The measurements were performed with methyl-terminated (hydrophobic) thiol-covered gold surfaces, at pH 7.0 and ionic strengths in the range 1-200 mM KCl. The saturation uptake increases rapidly with increasing ionic strength in the range 20-50 mM and is then independent of ionic strength at >100 mM. The dissipation factor reveals, in the low coverage regime, distinct differences in the adlayer properties at low and high ionic strength, respectively. These results are briefly discussed in terms of the screening properties of the solvent and its influence on the protein-protein interaction in solution and on the surface. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.