pH stimuli drug loading/release platforms from LbL single/blend films: QCM-D and in-vitro studies

Investigation of Antibacterial Coatings Based on Chitosan/Polyacrylic Acid/Chlorhexidine for Orthopedic Implants

Antibacterial coatings on model silicon wafers and implants, based on chitosan (CHI), poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), and the antibacterial agent chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX), were obtained using a layer-by-layer assembly method. The surface roughness and 2D and 3D images of the surfaces of CHI/PAA/CHX coatings obtained from different pH assemblies were investigated by atomic force microscopy, revealing that pH 6 enabled optimal inclusion of CHX in the multilayer film. The structure and elemental composition before and after implementation of CHX into the coating were investigated via scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The obtained films exhibited antimicrobial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The effects of CHX concentration and duration of contact with the coating on bacterial activity were investigated, and the quantitative release of CHX from coated implants in phosphate buffer was determined as a function of the incubation time. The biocompatibility of the PAA/CHI/CHX coatings was investigated using human mononuclear cells (HMNCs) and quantified using an MTT assay. HMNCs demonstrated high viability in eluted solutions obtained from implants coated with PAA/CHI/CHX (0.025%) and PAA/CHI/CHX (0.0125%), while the extract of implants coated with PAA/CHI/CHX (0.05%) induced slight cytotoxicity.

Artifact Correction of Light Induced Detuning in QCM-D Experiments

The quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) has become an efficient and versatile measurement technique for investigating in situ the external stimuli responsiveness such as pH, temperature, or chemical gradients of surface-active substances at solid-liquid interfaces. However, light responsive adsorption investigation is more challenging presumably since the quartz crystal itself reacts to optical stimulation, showing frequency and dissipation shifts known as light induced detuning (LID). This yields an effective measurement artifact and makes data interpretation with respect to dynamic interactions of light responsive materials rather challenging. Here we introduce a simple guideline for correcting the artifacts of the QCM sensor response on irradiation to ensure quantitative analysis for light responsive materials via OCM-D. We also show that the LID depends on the adsorption properties of the sensor and the solvent properties (ionic concentration or viscosity), providing a guideline to minimize impact of the LID.

pH-Responsive Cobalt(II)-Coordinated Assembly Containing Quercetin for Antimicrobial Applications

The development of novel drug delivery systems (DDSs) with promising antibacterial properties is essential for facing the emergency of increasing resistance to antimicrobial agents. The antibacterial features of quercetin and its metal complexes have been broadly investigated. However, several drawbacks affect their activity and effectiveness. In this work, we propose a DDS based on a pH-responsive cobalt(II)-coordinated assembly containing quercetin and polyacrylic acid. This system is suggested to trigger the release of the model drug in a pH-dependent mode by exploiting the localized acidic environment at the bacterial infection sites under anaerobic conditions. The delivery system has been designed by accurately examining the species and the multiple equilibria occurring in solution among the assembly components. The formation of cobalt(II) complexes with quercetin in the absence or presence of the pH-responsive polyacrylic acid was investigated in buffered aqueous solution at pH 7.4 using spectrophotometric (UV-Vis) and calorimetric (ITC) techniques. The determined binding affinities and thermodynamic parameters that resulted are essential for the development of a DDS with improved binding and release capabilities. Furthermore, the affinity of the polymer-cobalt(II) complex toward the model antimicrobial flavonoid was explored at the solid-liquid interface by quartz crystal microbalance (QCM-D) experiments, which provided marked evidence for drug loading and release under pH control.

Layer-by-layer assembly methods and their biomedical applications

Various biomedical applications arising due to the development of different LbL assembly methods with unique process properties.

Physicochemical aspects of design of ultrathin films based on chitosan, pectin, and their silver nanocomposites with antiadhesive and bactericidal potential

Implant-related infection is one of the serious problems in regenerative medicine. Promising approach to overcome the problems caused by bacterial growth on the medical implants is their modification by bioactive coatings. A versatile technique for designing multilayer films with tailored characteristics at the nanometer scale is layer-by-layer assembly. In this study, multilayer films based on biopolymers (pectin and chitosan) and their nanocomposites with silver nanoparticles have been prepared and evaluated. The buildup of multilayers was monitored using the quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation technique. The morphology of the obtained films was investigated by atomic force microscopy. We have demonstrated that pectin-Ag-containing films were characterized by the linear growth and smooth defect-free surface. When pectin-Ag was substituted for the pectin in the multilayer systems, the properties of the formed coatings were significantly changed: the film rigidity and surface roughness increased, as well as the film growth acquired the parabolic character. All prepared multilayer films have shown antibacterial activity against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. The significant decrease in the number of the adhered E. coli on the multilayer surface has been determined; moreover, many of the cells were misshapen with cytoplasm leaking. The prepared multilayer films showed a mild activity against S. aureus predominantly due to the antiadhesive effect. Our results indicate that antibacterial activity of biopolymer multilayers is determined by the film composition and physicochemical characteristics and can be associated with their antiadhesive and bactericidal behaviors.

Recent Progress of Layer-by-layer Assembly, Free-Standing Film and Hydrogel Based on Polyelectrolytes

Nowadays, polyelectrolytes play an essential role in the development of new materials. Their use allows creating new properties of materials and surfaces and vary them in a wide range. Basically, modern methods are divided into three areas-the process of layer-by-layer deposition, free-standing films, and hydrogels based on polyelectrolytes. Layer-by-layer assembly of polyelectrolytes on various surfaces is a powerful technique. It allows giving surfaces new properties, for example, protect them from corrosion. Free-standing films are essential tools for the design of membranes and sensors. Hydrogels based on polyelectrolytes have recently shown their applicability in electrical and materials science. The creation of new materials and components with controlled properties can be achieved using polyelectrolytes. This review focuses on new technologies that have been developed with polyelectrolytes over the last five years.