Conformational Changes of Fibrinogen after Adsorption

Ligand-induced conformational changes in protein molecules detected by sum-frequency generation

We present the first demonstration of ligand-induced conformational changes in a biological molecule, a protein, by sum-frequency generation (SFG). Constructs of KRasG12D protein were prepared by selectively deuterating residues of a single amino acid type using isotope-labeled amino acids and cell-free protein synthesis. By attaching labeled protein to a supported bilayer membrane via a His-tag to Ni-NTA-bearing lipids, we ensured that single layers of ordered molecules were formed while preserving the protein's native structure. Exceptionally large SFG amide I signals were produced in both labeled and unlabeled proteins, demonstrating a high degree of orientational order upon attachment to the bilayer. Deuterated protein also produced SFG signals in the CDx spectral region, which were not present in the unlabeled protein. The CDx signals were measured before and after binding a peptide inhibitor, KRpep-2d, revealing shifts in SFG intensity due to conformational changes at the labeled sites. In particular, peaks associated with CDx stretching vibrations for alanine, valine, and glycine changed substantially in amplitude upon inhibitor binding. By inspection of the crystal structure, these three residues are uniquely colocated on the protein surface in and near the nucleotide binding site, which is in allosteric communication with the site of peptide inhibitor binding, suggesting an approach to identify a ligand's binding site. The technique offers a highly sensitive, nonperturbative method of mapping ligand-induced conformational changes and allosteric networks in biological molecules for studies of the relationship between structure and function and mechanisms of action in drug discovery.

Structural adaptability and surface activity of peptides derived from tardigrade proteins

Tardigrades are unique micro-organisms with a high tolerance to desiccation. The protection of their cells against desiccation involves tardigrade-specific proteins, which include the so-called cytoplasmic abundant heat soluble (CAHS) proteins. As a first step towards the design of peptides capable of mimicking the cytoprotective properties of CAHS proteins, we have synthesized several model peptides with sequences selected from conserved CAHS motifs and investigated to what extent they exhibit the desiccation-induced structural changes of the full-length proteins. Using circular dichroism spectroscopy, two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations, we have found that the CAHS model peptides are mostly disordered, but adopt a moreα $$ \alpha $$ -helical structure upon addition of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, which mimics desiccation. This structural behavior is similar to that of full-length CAHS proteins, which also adopt more ordered conformations upon desiccation. We also have investigated the surface activity of the peptides at the air/water interface, which also mimics partial desiccation. Interestingly, sum-frequency generation spectroscopy shows that all model peptides are surface active and adopt a helical structure at the air/water interface. Our results suggest that amino acids with high helix-forming propensities might contribute to the propensity of these peptides to adopt a helical structure when fully or partially dehydrated. Thus, the selected sequences retain part of the CAHS structural behavior upon desiccation, and might be used as a basis for the design of new synthetic peptide-based cryoprotective materials.

Peptide Orientation Strongly Affected by the Nanoparticle Size as Revealed by Sum Frequency Scattering Spectroscopy

The orientation of proteins at interfaces has a profound effect on the function of proteins. For nanoparticles (NPs) in a biological environment, protein orientation determines the toxicity, function, and identity of the NP. Thus, understanding how proteins orientate at NP surfaces is a critical parameter in controlling NP biochemistry. While planar surfaces are often used to model NP interfaces for protein orientation studies, it has been shown recently that proteins can orient very differently on NP surfaces. This study uses sum frequency scattering vibrational spectroscopy of the model helical leucine-lysine (LK) peptide on NPs of different sizes to determine the cause for the orientation effects. The data show that, for low dielectric constant materials, the orientation of the helical LK peptide is a function of the coulombic forces between peptides across different particle volumes. This finding strongly suggests that flat model systems are only of limited use for determining protein orientation at NP interfaces and that charge interactions should be considered when designing medical NPs or assessing NP biocompatibility.

Antiadhesive Copolymers at Solid/Liquid Interfaces: Complementary Characterization of Polymer Adsorption and Protein Fouling by Sum Frequency Generation Vibrational Spectroscopy and Quartz-Crystal Microbalance Measurements with Dissipation Monitoring

Amphiphilic copolymers comprising hydrophilic segments of poly(ethylene glycol) and hydrophobic domains that are able to adhere to solid/liquid interfaces have proven to be versatile ingredients in formulated products for various types of applications. Recently, we have reported the successful synthesis of a copolymer designed for modifying the surface properties of polyesters as mimics for synthetic textiles. Using sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy, it was shown that the newly developed copolymer adsorbs effectively on the targeted substrates even in the presence of surfactants as supplied by common detergents. In the present work, these studies were extended to evaluate the ability of the formed copolymer adlayers to passivate polyester surfaces against undesired deposition of bio(macro)molecules, as represented by fibrinogen as model protein foulants. In addition, SFG spectroscopy was used to elucidate the structure of fibrinogen at the interface between polyester and water. To complement the obtained data with an independent technique, analogous experiments were performed using quartz-crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring for the detection of the relevant interfacial processes. Both methods give consistent results and deliver a holistic picture of brush copolymer adsorption on polyester surfaces and subsequent antiadhesive effects against proteins under different conditions representing the targeted application in home care products.

Monitoring the Molecular Structure of Fibrinogen during the Adsorption Process at the Buried Silicone Oil Interface In Situ in Real Time

Interfacial proteins play important roles in many research fields and applications, such as biosensors, biomedical implants, nonfouling coatings, etc. Directly probing interfacial protein behavior at buried solid/liquid and liquid/liquid interfaces is challenging. We used sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy and a Hamiltonian data analysis method to monitor the molecular structure of fibrinogen on silicone oil during the adsorption process in situ in real time. The results showed that the adsorbed fibrinogen molecules tend to adopt a bent structure throughout the entire adsorption process with the same orientation. This is different from the case of adsorbed fibrinogen on CaF₂ with a linear structure or on polystyrene with a bent structure but a different orientation. The method introduced herein is generally applicable for following time-dependent molecular structures of many other proteins and peptides at interfaces in situ in real time at the molecular level.

Probing Interfacial Behavior and Antifouling Activity of Adsorbed Copolymers at Solid/Liquid Interfaces

Polymers containing poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) units can exhibit excellent antifouling properties, which have been proposed/used for coating of biomedical implants, separation membranes, and structures in marine environments, as well as active ingredients in detergent formulations to avoid soil redepositioning in textile laundry. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular behavior of a copolymer poly(MMA-co-MPEGMA) containing antiadhesive PEG side chains and a backbone of poly(methyl methacrylate), at a buried polymer/solution interface. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was used as a substrate to model polyester textile surfaces. Sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy was applied to examine the interfacial behavior of the copolymer at PET/solution interfaces in situ and in real time. Complementarily, copolymer adsorption on PET and subsequent antiadhesion against protein foulants were probed by quartz-crystal microbalance experiments with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). Both applied techniques show that poly(MMA-co-MPEGMA) adsorbs significantly to the PET/solution interface at bulk polymer solution concentrations as low as 2 ppm, while saturation of the surface was reached at 20 ppm. The hydrophobic MMA segments provide an anchor for the copolymer to bind onto PET in an ordered way, while the pendant PEG segments are more disordered but contain ordered interfacial water. In the presence of considerable amounts of dissolved surfactants, poly(MMA-co-MPEGMA) could still effectively adsorb on the PET surface and remained stable at the surface upon washing with hot and cold water or surfactant solution. In addition, it was found that adsorbed poly(MMA-co-MPEGMA) provided the PET surface with antiadhesive properties and could prevent protein deposition, highlighting the superior surface affinity and antifouling performance of the copolymer. The results obtained in this work demonstrate that amphiphilic copolymers containing PMMA anchors and PEG side chains can be used in detergent formulations to modify polyester surfaces during laundry and reduce deposition of proteins (and likely also other soils) on the textile.

The Technological Basis of a Balloon-Expandable TAVR System: Non-occlusive Deployment, Anchorage in the Absence of Calcification and Polymer Leaflets

Leaflet durability and costs restrict contemporary trans-catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) largely to elderly patients in affluent countries. TAVR that are easily deployable, avoid secondary procedures and are also suitable for younger patients and non-calcific aortic regurgitation (AR) would significantly expand their global reach. Recognizing the reduced need for post-implantation pacemakers in balloon-expandable (BE) TAVR and the recent advances with potentially superior leaflet materials, a trans-catheter BE-system was developed that allows tactile, non-occlusive deployment without rapid pacing, direct attachment of both bioprosthetic and polymer leaflets onto a shape-stabilized scallop and anchorage achieved by plastic deformation even in the absence of calcification. Three sizes were developed from nickel-cobalt-chromium MP35N alloy tubes: Small/23 mm, Medium/26 mm and Large/29 mm. Crimp-diameters of valves with both bioprosthetic (sandwich-crosslinked decellularized pericardium) and polymer leaflets (triblock polyurethane combining siloxane and carbonate segments) match those of modern clinically used BE TAVR. Balloon expansion favors the wing-structures of the stent thereby creating supra-annular anchors whose diameter exceeds the outer diameter at the waist level by a quarter. In the pulse duplicator, polymer and bioprosthetic TAVR showed equivalent fluid dynamics with excellent EOA, pressure gradients and regurgitation volumes. Post-deployment fatigue resistance surpassed ISO requirements. The radial force of the helical deployment balloon at different filling pressures resulted in a fully developed anchorage profile of the valves from two thirds of their maximum deployment diameter onwards. By combining a unique balloon-expandable TAVR system that also caters for non-calcific AR with polymer leaflets, a powerful, potentially disruptive technology for heart valve disease has been incorporated into a TAVR that addresses global needs. While fulfilling key prerequisites for expanding the scope of TAVR to the vast number of patients of low- to middle income countries living with rheumatic heart disease the system may eventually also bring hope to patients of high-income countries presently excluded from TAVR for being too young.

Recent Developments in Nitric Oxide Donors and Delivery for Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Applications

The use of nitric oxide (NO) is emerging as a promising, novel approach for the treatment of antibiotic resistant bacteria and biofilm infections. Depending on the concentration, NO can induce biofilm dispersal, increase bacteria susceptibility to antibiotic treatment, and induce cell damage or cell death via the formation of reactive oxygen or reactive nitrogen species. The use of NO is, however, limited by its reactivity, which can affect NO delivery to its target site and result in off-target effects. To overcome these issues, and enable spatial or temporal control over NO release, various strategies for the design of NO-releasing materials, including the incorporation of photo-activable, charge-switchable, or bacteria-targeting groups, have been developed. Other strategies have focused on increased NO storage and delivery by encapsulation or conjugation of NO donors within a single polymeric framework. This review compiles recent developments in NO drugs and NO-releasing materials designed for applications in antimicrobial or anti-biofilm treatment and discusses limitations and variability in biological responses in response to the use of NO for bacterial eradiation.

Probing Orientations and Conformations of Peptides and Proteins at Buried Interfaces

Molecular structures of peptides/proteins at interfaces determine their interfacial properties, which play important roles in many applications. It is difficult to probe interfacial peptide/protein structures because of the lack of appropriate tools. Sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy has been developed into a powerful technique to elucidate molecular structures of peptides/proteins at buried solid/liquid and liquid/liquid interfaces. SFG has been successfully applied to study molecular interactions between model cell membranes and antimicrobial peptides/membrane proteins, surface-immobilized peptides/enzymes, and physically adsorbed peptides/proteins on polymers and 2D materials. A variety of other analytical techniques and computational simulations provide supporting information to SFG studies, leading to more complete understanding of structure-function relationships of interfacial peptides/proteins. With the advance of SFG techniques and data analysis methods, along with newly developed supplemental tools and simulation methodology, SFG research on interfacial peptides/proteins will further impact research in fields like chemistry, biology, biophysics, engineering, and beyond.

Hemocompatibility of polyzwitterion-modified titanium dioxide nanotubes

Titanium dioxide nanotubes (TNTs) have attracted increasing interest as implantable materials due to their many desirable properties. However, their blood compatibility remains an issue. In this paper, TNTs of different diameters were modified with two types of zwitterionic polymers, poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (pSBMA) and poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) (pCBMA), which were grafted onto the TNTs using ARGET-ATRP (activators regenerated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization) method. Both pSBMA and pCBMA brushes coatings were found to greatly reduce adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and fibrinogen (Fib) onto the TNTs, showing excellent protein resistance. Moreover, the effects of the surface topography on the amount of protein adsorption were largely suppressed by the polyzwitterion coatings. The conformation of the protein adsorbed to the substrates was analyzed at the molecular level by Fourier-transform infrared reflection spectroscopy (FT-IR), which revealed that the BSA adsorbed on the polyzwitterion-modified TNTs adopted significantly different secondary structures from that on the virgin TNTs, whereas the conformation of the adsorbed Fib remained basically the same. The polyzwitterion-modified TNTs were found to be non-hemolytic, and platelet adhesion and activation was significantly reduced, showing excellent blood compatibility.

Principles of Fibrinogen Fiber Assembly In Vitro

Fibrinogen nanofibers hold great potential for applications in wound healing and personalized regenerative medicine due to their ability to mimic the native blood clot architecture. Although versatile strategies exist to induce fibrillogenesis of fibrinogen in vitro, little is known about the underlying mechanisms and the associated length scales. Therefore, in this manuscript the current state of research on fibrinogen fibrillogenesis in vitro is reviewed. For the first time, the manifold factors leading to the assembly of fibrinogen molecules into fibers are categorized considering three main groups: substrate interactions, denaturing and non-denaturing buffer conditions. Based on the meta-analysis in the review it is concluded that the assembly of fibrinogen is driven by several mechanisms across different length scales. In these processes, certain buffer conditions, in particular the presence of salts, play a predominant role during fibrinogen self-assembly compared to the surface chemistry of the substrate material. Yet, to tailor fibrous fibrinogen scaffolds with defined structure-function-relationships for future tissue engineering applications, it still needs to be understood which particular role each of these factors plays during fiber assembly. Therefore, the future combination of experimental and simulation studies is proposed to understand the intermolecular interactions of fibrinogen, which induce the assembly of soluble fibrinogen into solid fibers.

Fabrication and in-vitro characterization of a polymeric aortic valve for minimally invasive valve replacement

The valve replacement therapy is the standard treatment for severe heart valve diseases. Nowadays, two types of commercial prosthesis are available: mechanical and biological, but both of them have severe limitations. Moreover, alternative therapeutic approach for valve replacement, based on minimally invasive techniques (MIAVR), motivates the search for new valve materials. In this study a polyurethane-based self-expandable tri-leaflets heart valve compatible with MIAVR procedure is proposed. The device is based on the development, fabrication and characterization of three different elements: the leaflets, the polymeric stent for supporting the leaflets, and the external metallic stent for anchoring the valve to the native aortic root. The polymeric stent and the valve leaflets were fabricated using a thermoplastic silicone-polycarbonate-urethane using 3D printing and spray technology while the external metallic stent was made in nickel titanium (Nitinol) to obtain a self-expandable valve after the crimping process. The three elements were assembled in the completed device and tested by crimping, fatigue and fluid-dynamic test. The novel polymeric valve proposed showed promising results about valve crimping capabilities, durability and fluid dynamic performances. This approach could offer advantages such as low cost and to produce a tailor-made device basing on patient's imaging data. Moreover, the selected biomaterial offers the potential to have a device that could need of permanent anticoagulation and lack of calcification.

Probing Biological Molecule Orientation and Polymer Surface Structure at the Polymer/Solution Interface In Situ

Polymers are widely used for many applications ranging from biomedical materials, marine antifouling coatings, membranes for biomolecule separation, to substrates for enzyme molecules for biosensing. For such applications, it is important to understand molecular interactions between biological molecules and polymer materials in situ in real time. Such understanding provides vital knowledge to manipulate biological molecule-polymer interactions and to optimize polymer surface structures to improve polymer performance. In this research, sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy was applied to study interactions between peptides (serving as models for biological molecules) and deuterated polystyrene (d8-PS, serving as a model for polymer materials). The peptide conformations/orientations and polymer surface phenyl orientation during the peptide-d8-PS interactions were determined using SFG. It was found that the π-π interaction between the aromatic amino acids on peptides and phenyl groups on d8-PS surface does not play a significant role. Instead, the peptide-d8-PS interactions are mediated by general hydrophobic interactions between the peptides and the polymer surface.

Both Poly(ethylene glycol) and Poly(methyl ethylene phosphate) Guide Oriented Adsorption of Specific Proteins

Developing new functional biomaterials requires the ability to simultaneously repel unwanted and guide wanted protein adsorption. Here, we systematically interrogate the factors determining the protein adsorption by comparing the behaviors of different polymeric surfaces, poly(ethylene glycol) and a poly(phosphoester), and five different natural proteins. Interestingly we observe that, at densities comparable to those used in nanocarrier functionalization, the same proteins are either adsorbed (fibrinogen, human serum albumin, and transferrin) or repelled (immunoglobulin G and lysozyme) by both polymers. However, when adsorption takes place, the specific surface dictates the amount and orientation of each protein.

Low-Fouling Characteristics of Ultrathin Zwitterionic Cysteine SAMs

Surface fouling remains an exigent issue for many biological implants. Unwanted solutes adsorb to reduce device efficiency and hasten degradation while increasing the risks of microbial colonization and adverse inflammatory response. To address unwanted fouling in modern implants in vivo, surface modification with antifouling polymers has become indispensable. Recently, zwitterionic self-assembled monolayers, which contain two or more charged functional groups but are electrostatically neutral and form highly hydrated surfaces, have been the focus of many antifouling coatings. Reports using various compositions of zwitterionic polymer brushes have demonstrated ultralow fouling in the ng/cm² range. These coatings, however, are thick and can hinder the target application of biological devices. Here, we report an ultrathin (8.52 Å) antifouling self-assembled monolayer composed of cysteine that is amenable to facile fabrication. The antifouling characteristics of the zwitterionic surfaces were evaluated against bovine serum albumin, fibrinogen, and human blood in real time using quartz crystal microbalance and surface plasmon resonance imaging. Compared to untreated gold surfaces, the ultrathin cysteine coating reduced the adsorption of bovine serum albumin by 95% (43 ng/cm² adsorbed) after 3 h and 90% reduction after 24 h. Similarly, the cysteine self-assembled monolayer reduced the adsorption of fibrinogen as well as human blood by >90%. The surfaces were further characterized using scanning electron microscopy: protein-enhanced adsorption and cellular adsorption in human blood was found on untreated surfaces but not on the cysteine SAM-protected surfaces. These findings suggest that surfaces can be functionalized with an ultrathin layer of cysteine to resist the adsorption of key proteins, with performance comparable to zwitterionic polymer brushes. As such, cysteine surface coatings are a promising methodology to improve the long-term utility of biological devices.

Simultaneous Observation of the Orientation and Activity of Surface-Immobilized Enzymes

Surface immobilized enzymes have been widely used in many applications such as biosensors, biochips, biofuel production, and biofuel cell construction. Many factors dictate how enzymes' structure, activity, and stability may change when immobilized, including surface functionalization, immobilization chemistry, nature of the solid support, and enzyme surface density. To better understand how immobilization affects enzyme structure and activity, we have developed a method to measure both surface-sensitive protein vibrational spectra and enzymatic activity simultaneously. To accomplish this, an optical/fluorescence microscope was incorporated into a sum frequency generation (SFG) spectrometer. Using β-glucosidase (β-Glu) as a model system, enzymes were covalently tethered to a self-assembled monolayer surface using cysteine-maleimide chemistry. Their orientations were determined by SFG spectroscopy, with a single native cysteine residue oriented toward the functionalized surface, and activity measured simultaneously using a fluorogenic substrate resorufin β-d-glucopyranoside, with a loss of activity of 53% as compared to comparable solution measurements. Measuring β-Glu activity and orientation simultaneously provides more accurate information for designing and further improving enzymatic activity of surface-bound enzymes.

Repelling and ordering: the influence of poly(ethylene glycol) on protein adsorption

Development of new materials for drug delivery and biosensing requires the fine-tuning of interfacial properties. We report here the influence of the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) grafting density in model phospholipid monolayers on the adsorption behavior of bovine serum albumin and human fibrinogen, not only with respect to the amount of adsorbed protein, but also its orientational ordering on the surface. As expected, with increasing interfacial PEG density, the amount of adsorbed protein decreases up to the point where complete protein repellency is reached. However, at intermediate concentrations, the net orientation of adsorbed fibrinogen is highest. The different proteins respond differently to PEG, not only in the amount of protein adsorbed, but also in the manner that proteins adsorb. The results show that for specific cases, tuning the interfacial PEG concentration allows to guide the protein adsorption configuration, a feature sought after in materials for both biosensing and biomedical applications.

Effect of fibrinogen, fibrin, and fibrin degradation products on transendothelial migration of leukocytes

In spite of numerous studies on the involvement of fibrinogen in transendothelial migration of leukocytes and thereby inflammation, there is still no clear understanding of which fibrin(ogen) species can stimulate leukocyte transmigration. Although we have previously proposed that interaction of fibrin with the VLDL receptor (VLDLR) promotes leukocyte transmigration, there is no direct experimental evidence for the involvement of fibrin in this process. To address these questions, we performed systematic studies of interaction of VLDLR with fibrinogen, fibrin, and their isolated recombinant BβN- and βN-domains, respectively, and the effect of various fibrin(ogen) species on transendothelial migration of leukocytes. The results obtained revealed that freshly purified fibrinogen does not interact with VLDLR in solution and has practically no effect on leukocyte transmigration. They also indicate that the VLDLR-binding site is cryptic in fibrinogen and becomes accessible upon its adsorption onto a surface or upon its conversion into fibrin. We also found that the D-D:E₁ complex and higher molecular mass fibrin degradation products, as well as soluble fibrin and fibrin polymers (clots) anchored to the endothelial monolayer, promote leukocyte transmigration mainly through the VLDL receptor-dependent pathway. Thus, the results of the present study suggest that fibrin degradation products and soluble fibrin that may be present in the circulation in vivo, as well as fibrin clots that may be deposited on the surface of inflamed endothelium, promote leukocyte transmigration. These findings further clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying the fibrin-VLDLR-dependent pathway of leukocyte transmigration and provide an explanation for a possible (patho)physiological role of this pathway.

Study of Crystal Formation and Nitric Oxide (NO) Release Mechanism from S-Nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP)-Doped CarboSil Polymer Composites for Potential Antimicrobial Applications

Stable and long-term nitric oxide (NO) releasing polymeric materials have many potential biomedical applications. Herein, we report the real-time observation of the crystallization process of the NO donor, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), within a thermoplastic silicone-polycarbonate-urethane biomedical polymer, CarboSil 20 80A. It is demonstrated that the NO release rate from this composite material is directly correlated with the surface area that the CarboSil polymer film is exposed to when in contact with aqueous solution. The decomposition of SNAP in solution (e.g. PBS, ethanol, THF, etc.) is a pseudo-first-order reaction proportional to the SNAP concentration. Further, catheters fabricated with this novel NO releasing composite material are shown to exhibit significant effects on preventing biofilm formation on catheter surface by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis grown in CDC bioreactor over 14 days, with a 2 and 3 log-unit reduction in number of live bacteria on their surfaces, respectively. Therefore, the SNAP-CarboSil composite is a promising new material to develop antimicrobial catheters, as well as other biomedical devices.

Protein-repellent and antimicrobial nanoparticle coatings from hyaluronic acid and a lysine-derived biocompatible surfactant

Biofilm formation triggered by uncontrolled protein adsorption, on medical devices is the leading cause of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) during implantation. Herein, we report a water-based, green and one-step strategy to functionalize surfaces of silicone catheters, poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), with antifouling and antimicrobial substances to avoid uncontrolled protein adsorption and microbial attachment. A novel synergetic formulation consisting of an anionic glycosaminoglycan (hyaluronic acid, HA) and a lysine-derived biocompatible cationic surfactant (N^ε-myristoyl-lysine methyl ester, MKM) was prepared, resulting in the formation of nanoparticles (NPs, ca. 100-250 nm). Besides their high stability and long-lasting hydrophilicity in ambient and aqueous environments for 60 days, the nanometric layers (48 ± 3 nm) of HA-MKM NPs on PDMS showed no adsorption of BSA and lysozyme and substantially lower adsorption of fibrinogen as revealed by a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). In vitro antimicrobial test with S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, P. mirabilis, C. albicans microbes under dynamic conditions revealed that the microbial growth was hampered by 85% compared with unmodified PDMS. Given the multiple functionalities, charges and diverse physiochemical properties of polysaccharide-lysine-based surfactant mixtures, this approach can be easily extended to the development of novel coatings on other silicone-based materials, thereby broadening potential applicability of PDMS-based biomaterials/devices in microfluidics, diagnostic biosensors and others.

Reduction of Thrombosis and Bacterial Infection via Controlled Nitric Oxide (NO) Release from S-Nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) Impregnated CarboSil Intravascular Catheters

Nitric oxide (NO) has many important physiological functions, including its ability to inhibit platelet activation and serve as potent antimicrobial agent. The multiple roles of NO in vivo have led to great interest in the development of biomaterials that can deliver NO for specific biomedical applications. Herein, we report a simple solvent impregnation technique to incorporate a nontoxic NO donor, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), into a more biocompatible biomedical grade polymer, CarboSil 20 80A. The resulting polymer-crystal composite material yields a very stable, long-term NO release biomaterial. The SNAP impregnation process is carefully characterized and optimized, and it is shown that SNAP crystal formation occurs in the bulk of the polymer after solvent evaporation. LC-MS results demonstrate that more than 70% of NO release from this new composite material originates from the SNAP embedded CarboSil phase, and not from the SNAP species leaching out into the soaking solution. Catheters prepared with CarboSil and then impregnated with 15 wt % SNAP provide a controlled NO release over a 14 d period at physiologically relevant fluxes and are shown to significantly reduce long-term (14 day) bacterial biofilm formation against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudonomas aeruginosa in a CDC bioreactor model. After 7 h of catheter implantation in the jugular veins of rabbit, the SNAP CarboSil catheters exhibit a 96% reduction in thrombus area (0.03 ± 0.01 cm2/catheter) compared to the controls (0.84 ± 0.19 cm2/catheter) (n = 3). These results suggest that SNAP impregnated CarboSil can become an attractive new biomaterial for use in preparing intravascular catheters and other implanted medical devices.

Facile fabrication of bioactive ultra-small protein–hydroxyapatite nanoconjugates via liquid-phase laser ablation and their enhanced osteogenic differentiation activity

Ultra-small protein–hydroxyapatite nanoconjugates promote the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.

The clinical relevance of altered fibrinogen packaging in the presence of 17β-estradiol and progesterone

BACKGROUND

The effect of endogenous hormone concentrations, specifically 17β-estradiol and progesterone, on fibrin network formation has not been established.

OBJECTIVES

It is essential to understand natural hormone mechanisms since these hormones are still present in circulation while hormonal contraceptives, which are associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism, are used.

METHODS

Due to the fact that these hormones are known to increase hypercoagulability and the prothrombotic state scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), thromboelastography (TEG) and turbidimetry were employed to investigate the morphology, surface roughness, viscoelastic properties and formation and lysis of fibrin.

RESULTS

17β-estradiol and progesterone showed hypercoagulable viscoelastic properties and decreased the diameter and surface roughness of fibrin while increasing dense matted deposit occurrence. Our results suggest that the additional burden of hormonal load, together with the presence of endogenous estrogen and progesterone, may result in a prothrombotic and hypercoagulable state in females with an inflammatory predisposition.

CONCLUSION

Our results are of clinical importance when considering hormones as either pathological agent or therapeutic intervention as will be assessed in future investigation.

Interfacial Water at Polyurethane-Sapphire Interface

Infrared-visible sum frequency generation spectroscopy (SFG) was used to directly probe water between polyurethane (PU) and sapphire substrates after exposing samples to liquid water and water vapor. For liquid water, the observation of SFG peaks associated with H2O bands (3000-3400 cm(-1)) and D2O bands (2300-2600 cm(-1)) indicated water molecules diffused to the buried interface and existed in the form of a hydrogen-bonded water network. The water layer disrupted interactions between polyurethane and sapphire. When PU films were exposed to water vapor, the SFG peak intensities of PU hydrocarbon and sapphire hydroxyl groups changed significantly, which suggested water molecules had reached the interface. However, no hydrogen-bonded water bands were present; instead, the H2O peak at 3550 cm(-1) and D2O peaks (2600-2700 cm(-1)) were observed. We assigned these peaks to low-coordination water molecules or hydroxyl groups hydrogen bonded with carboxyl groups of PU at the interface. The water molecules did not form a uniform layer at the interface and as a consequence did not completely disrupt the PU/sapphire interactions. These results provide important implications for understanding interfacial adhesion, coatings, and corrosion.

Theoretical Sum Frequency Generation Spectroscopy of Peptides

Vibrational sum frequency generation (SFG) has become a very promising technique for the study of proteins at interfaces, and it has been applied to important systems such as anti-microbial peptides, ion channel proteins, and human islet amyloid polypeptide. Moreover, so-called "chiral" SFG techniques, which rely on polarization combinations that generate strong signals primarily for chiral molecules, have proven to be particularly discriminatory of protein secondary structure. In this work, we present a theoretical strategy for calculating protein amide I SFG spectra by combining line-shape theory with molecular dynamics simulations. We then apply this method to three model peptides, demonstrating the existence of a significant chiral SFG signal for peptides with chiral centers, and providing a framework for interpreting the results on the basis of the dependence of the SFG signal on the peptide orientation. We also examine the importance of dynamical and coupling effects. Finally, we suggest a simple method for determining a chromophore's orientation relative to the surface using ratios of experimental heterodyne-detected signals with different polarizations, and test this method using theoretical spectra.

Liquid/Liquid interfacial fabrication of thermosensitive and catalytically active Ag nanoparticle-doped block copolymer composite foam films

An aqueous solution of AgNO3 (upper phase) and a DMF/CHCl3 solution of polystyrene-b-poly(acryl acid)-b-polystyrene (PS-b-PAA-b-PS) or PS-b-PAA-b-PS/1,6-diaminohexane (DAH) (lower phase) constituted a planar liquid/liquid interface. The lower phase gradually transformed to a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion via spontaneous emulsification due to the "ouzo effect". Polymer molecules, DAH molecules, and Ag(+) ions assembled into microcapsules around emulsion droplets that adsorbed at the planar liquid/liquid interface, resulting in formation of a foam film. DAH acted as a cross-linker during this process. Transmission electron microscopic observations indicated that Ag nanoclusters that were generated through reduction of Ag(+) ions by DMF were homogeneously dispersed in the walls of the foam structure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic investigations revealed that Ag(I) and Ag(0) coexisted in the film, and Ag(I) transformed to Ag(0) after further treatment. The film formed without DAH was not stable, while the film formed with DAH was very stable due to intermolecular attraction between PAA and DAH and formation of amides, as revealed by FTIR spectra. The film formed with DAH exhibited high and durable catalytic activity for hydrogenation of nitro compounds and, very interestingly, exhibited thermoresponsive catalytic behavior.

Strong cooperative effect of oppositely charged surfactant mixtures on their adsorption and packing at the air-water interface and interfacial water structure

Remarkable adsorption enhancement and packing of dilute mixtures of water-soluble oppositely-charged surfactants, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and dodecyl amine hydrochloride (DAH), at the air-water interface were observed by using sum frequency generation spectroscopy and tensiometry. The interfacial water structure was also observed to be significantly influenced by the SDS-DAH mixtures, differently from the synergy of the single surfactants. Most strikingly, the obtained spectroscopic evidence suggests that the interfacial hydrophobic alkyl chains of the binary mixtures assemble differently from those of single surfactants. This study highlights the significance of the cooperative interaction between the headgroups of oppositely charged binary surfactant systems and subsequently provides some insightful observations about the molecular structure of the air-aqueous interfacial water molecules and, more importantly, about the packing nature of the surfactant hydrophobic chains of dilute SDS-DAH mixtures of concentration below 1% of the CMC.

Engineering interaction between bone marrow derived endothelial cells and electrospun surfaces for artificial vascular graft applications

The aim of this investigation was to understand and engineer the interactions between endothelial cells and the electrospun (ES) polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP) nanofiber surfaces and evaluate their potential for endothelialization. Elastomeric PVDF-HFP samples were electrospun to evaluate their potential use as small diameter artificial vascular graft scaffold (SDAVG) and compared with solvent cast (SC) PVDF-HFP films. We examined the consequences of fibrinogen adsorption onto the ES and SC samples for endothelialisation. Bone marrow derived endothelial cells (BMEC) of human origin were incubated with the test and control samples and their attachment, proliferation, and viability were examined. The nature of interaction of fibrinogen with SC and ES samples was investigated in detail using ELISA, XPS, and FTIR techniques. The pristine SC and ES PVDF-HFP samples displayed hydrophobic and ultrahydrophobic behavior and accordingly, exhibited minimal BMEC growth. Fibrinogen adsorbed SC samples did not significantly enhance endothelial cell binding or proliferation. In contrast, the fibrinogen adsorbed electrospun surfaces showed a clear ability to modulate endothelial cell behavior. This system also represents an ideal model system that enables us to understand the natural interaction between cells and their extracellular environment. The research reported shows potential of ES surfaces for artificial vascular graft applications.

Effect of functional group on the monolayer structures of biodegradable quaternary ammonium surfactants

The monolayer structures and conformational ordering of cationic surfactants including the biodegradable quaternary ammonium molecules have been systematically characterized by π-A isotherm, surface potential, atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy. It was found that the monolayer of the typical dialkyl dimethylammonium on the water surface was less densely packed along with many conformational gauche defects. The packing density and ordering of these monolayers were improved as halide ions were added to the subphase. A similar condensation effect was also observed when amide or ester groups are present in the alkyl tails of the surfactant. These results are discussed on the basis of the repulsive electrostatic interactions between the terminal ammonium moieties, the hydrogen bonding between the functional groups in the alkyl chains, as well as the flexibility of the alkyl chains in these surfactants. The present study is crucial to understanding the relationship between the interfacial structures and the functionalities of the biodegradable quaternary ammonium surfactants.

SFG analysis of surface bound proteins: a route towards structure determination

The surface of a material is rapidly covered with proteins once that material is placed in a biological environment. The structure and function of these bound proteins play a key role in the interactions and communications of the material with the biological environment. Thus, it is crucial to gain a molecular level understanding of surface bound protein structure. While X-ray diffraction and solution phase NMR methods are well established for determining the structure of proteins in the crystalline or solution phase, there is not a corresponding single technique that can provide the same level of structural detail about proteins at surfaces or interfaces. However, recent advances in sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy have significantly increased our ability to obtain structural information about surface bound proteins and peptides. A multi-technique approach of combining SFG with (1) protein engineering methods to selectively introduce mutations and isotopic labels, (2) other experimental methods such as time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) to provide complementary information, and (3) molecular dynamic (MD) simulations to extend the molecular level experimental results is a particularly promising route for structural characterization of surface bound proteins and peptides. By using model peptides and small proteins with well-defined structures, methods have been developed to determine the orientation of both backbone and side chains to the surface.

Membrane orientation of Gα(i)β(1)γ(2) and Gβ(1)γ(2) determined via combined vibrational spectroscopic studies

The manner in which the heterotrimeric G protein complexes Gβ1γ2 and Gαiβ1γ2 interact with membranes is likely related to their biological function. We combined complementary measurements from sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy to determine the possible membrane orientations of Gβ1γ2 and the Gαiβ1γ2 heterotrimer more precisely than could be achieved using SFG alone. The most likely orientations of Gβ1γ2 and the Gαiβ1γ2 heterotrimer were both determined to fall within a similar narrow range of twist and tilt angles, suggesting that Gβ1γ2 may bind to Gαi without a significant change in orientation. This "basal" orientation seems to depend primarily on the geranylgeranylated C-terminus of Gγ2 along with basic residues at the N-terminus of Gαi, and suggests that activated G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) must reorient G protein heterotrimers at lipid bilayers to catalyze nucleotide exchange. The innovative methodologies developed in this paper can be widely applied to study the membrane orientation of other proteins in situ.

Direct correlation of electrochemical behaviors with anti-thrombogenicity of semiconducting titanium oxide films

Biomaterials-associated thrombosis is dependent critically upon electrochemical response of fibrinogen on material surface. The relationship between the response and anti-thrombogenicity of biomaterials is not well-established. Titanium oxide appears to have good anti-thrombogenicity and little is known about its underlying essential chemistry. We correlate their anti-thrombogenicity directly to electrochemical behaviors in fibrinogen containing buffer solution. High degree of inherent n-type doping was noted to contribute the impedance preventing charge transfer from fibrinogen into film (namely its activation) and consequently reduced degree of anti-thrombogenicity. The impedance was the result of high donor carrier density as well as negative flat band potential.

Elucidation of molecular structures at buried polymer interfaces and biological interfaces using sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy

Sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy has been developed into an important technique to study surfaces and interfaces. It can probe buried interfaces in situ and provide molecular level structural information such as the presence of various chemical moieties, quantitative molecular functional group orientation, and time dependent kinetics or dynamics at such interfaces. This paper focuses on these three most important advantages of SFG and reviews some of the recent progress in SFG studies on interfaces related to polymer materials and biomolecules. The results discussed here demonstrate that SFG can provide important molecular structural information of buried interfaces in situ and in real time, which is difficult to obtain by other surface sensitive analytical techniques.

In situ molecular-level insights into the interfacial structure changes of membrane-associated prion protein fragment [118-135] investigated by sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy

Protein aggregation is associated with many "protein deposition diseases". A precise molecular detail of the conformational transitions of such a membrane-associated protein structure is critical to understand the disease mechanism and develop effective treatments. One potential model peptide for studying the mechanism of protein deposition diseases is prion protein fragment [118-135] (PrP118-135), which shares homology with the C-terminal domain of the Alzheimer's β-amyloid peptide. In this study, sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy (SFG-VS) has been applied to characterize interactions between PrP118-135 and 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1'-rac-glycerol) (POPG) lipid bilayer in situ. The conformation change and orientation of PrP118-135 in lipid bilayers have been determined using SFG spectra with different polarization combinations. It is found that low-concentration PrP118-135 predominantly adopts α-helical structure but with tiny β-sheet structure. With the PrP118-135 concentration increasing, the molecular number ratio of parallel β-sheet structure increases and reaches about 44% at a concentration of 0.10 mg/mL, indicating the formation of abnormally folded scrapie isoforms. The α-helical structure inserts into the lipid bilayer with a tilt angle of ~32° versus the surface normal, while the β-sheet structure lies down on the lipid bilayer with the tilt and twist angle both of 90°. The 3300 cm(-1) N-H stretching signal in psp spectra arises from α-helical structure at low PrP concentration and from the β-sheet structure at high PrP concentration. Results from this study will provide an in-depth insight into the early events in the aggregation of PrP in cell membrane.

In vitro mutagenicity and blood compatibility of paclitaxel and curcumin in poly (DL-lactide-co-glicolide) films

Curcumin is considered to be a potential component for drug-eluting stents due to its anti-inflammatory properties. In this study we compared the mutagenicity and blood compatibility of curcumin to first generation drug eluting stent components: paclitaxel and sirolimus. The Ames test was used to assess mutagenicity. Blood compatibility was tested by measuring platelet activation and fibrinogen adsorption on poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide, PLGA) films. We discovered that there was no significant increase in the number of revertants/plate following treatment with curcumin (up to 0.5mg/plate) or sirolimus (up to 0.5 μg/plate). However, a significant induction in the frequency of bacterial his(+) revertant colonies by paclitaxel at concentrations of 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 μg/plate was observed. We also discovered a significant reduction in platelet activation by PLGA films containing 30% and 50% by weight curcumin. A similar reduction in platelet activation was also observed for PLGA films containing 1% by weight paclitaxel. In addition, we observed an increase of fibrinogen adsorption to PLGA-films containing curcumin. This would compromise the potential use of curcumin as a component of drug-eluting stents. Moreover, our data challenges the current view that paclitaxel does not significantly induce mutagenesis.

Protein adsorption at the electrified air-water interface: implications on foam stability

The surface chemistry of ions, water molecules, and proteins as well as their ability to form stable networks in foams can influence and control macroscopic properties such as taste and texture of dairy products considerably. Despite the significant relevance of protein adsorption at liquid interfaces, a molecular level understanding on the arrangement of proteins at interfaces and their interactions has been elusive. Therefore, we have addressed the adsorption of the model protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) at the air-water interface with vibrational sum-frequency generation (SFG) and ellipsometry. SFG provides specific information on the composition and average orientation of molecules at interfaces, while complementary information on the thickness of the adsorbed layer can be obtained with ellipsometry. Adsorption of charged BSA proteins at the water surface leads to an electrified interface, pH dependent charging, and electric field-induced polar ordering of interfacial H(2)O and BSA. Varying the bulk pH of protein solutions changes the intensities of the protein related vibrational bands substantially, while dramatic changes in vibrational bands of interfacial H(2)O are simultaneously observed. These observations have allowed us to determine the isoelectric point of BSA directly at the electrolyte-air interface for the first time. BSA covered air-water interfaces with a pH near the isoelectric point form an amorphous network of possibly agglomerated BSA proteins. Finally, we provide a direct correlation of the molecular structure of BSA interfaces with foam stability and new information on the link between microscopic properties of BSA at water surfaces and macroscopic properties such as the stability of protein foams.

Observing a model ion channel gating action in model cell membranes in real time in situ: membrane potential change induced alamethicin orientation change

Ion channels play crucial roles in transport and regulatory functions of living cells. Understanding the gating mechanisms of these channels is important to understanding and treating diseases that have been linked to ion channels. One potential model peptide for studying the mechanism of ion channel gating is alamethicin, which adopts a split α/3(10)-helix structure and responds to changes in electric potential. In this study, sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy (SFG-VS), supplemented by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), has been applied to characterize interactions between alamethicin (a model for larger channel proteins) and 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) lipid bilayers in the presence of an electric potential across the membrane. The membrane potential difference was controlled by changing the pH of the solution in contact with the bilayer and was measured using fluorescence spectroscopy. The orientation angle of alamethicin in POPC lipid bilayers was then determined at different pH values using polarized SFG amide I spectra. Assuming that all molecules adopt the same orientation (a δ distribution), at pH = 6.7 the α-helix at the N-terminus and the 3(10)-helix at the C-terminus tilt at about 72° (θ(1)) and 50° (θ(2)) versus the surface normal, respectively. When pH increases to 11.9, θ(1) and θ(2) decrease to 56.5° and 45°, respectively. The δ distribution assumption was verified using a combination of SFG and ATR-FTIR measurements, which showed a quite narrow distribution in the angle of θ(1) for both pH conditions. This indicates that all alamethicin molecules at the surface adopt a nearly identical orientation in POPC lipid bilayers. The localized pH change in proximity to the bilayer modulates the membrane potential and thus induces a decrease in both the tilt and the bend angles of the two helices in alamethicin. This is the first reported application of SFG to the study of model ion channel gating mechanisms in model cell membranes.

Molecular interactions of proteins and peptides at interfaces studied by sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy

Interfacial peptides and proteins are critical in many biological processes and thus are of interest to various research fields. To study these processes, surface sensitive techniques are required to completely describe different interfacial interactions intrinsic to many complicated processes. Sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy has been developed into a powerful tool to investigate these interactions and mechanisms of a variety of interfacial peptides and proteins. It has been shown that SFG has intrinsic surface sensitivity and the ability to acquire conformation, orientation, and ordering information about these systems. This paper reviews recent studies on peptide/protein-substrate interactions, peptide/protein-membrane interactions, and protein complexes at interfaces and demonstrates the ability of SFG on unveiling the molecular pictures of complicated interfacial biological processes.

Solvent effect and time-dependent behavior of C-terminus-cysteine-modified cecropin P1 chemically immobilized on a polymer surface

Sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy has been applied to the investigation of peptide immobilization on a polymer surface as a function of time and peptide conformation. Surface immobilization of biological molecules is important in many applications such as biosensors, antimicrobial materials, biobased fuel cells, nanofabrication, and multifunctional materials. Using C-terminus-cysteine-modified cecropin P1 (CP1c) as a model, we investigated the time-dependent immobilization behavior in situ in real time. In addition, potassium phosphate buffer (PB) and mixtures of PB and trifluoroethanol were utilized to examine the effect of peptide secondary structure on CP1c immobilization to polystyrene maleimide (PS-MA). The orientation of immobilized CP1c on PS-MA was determined using polarized SFG spectra. It was found that the peptide solution concentration, solvent composition, and assembly state (monomer vs dimer) prior to immobilization all influence the orientation of CP1c on a PS-MA surface. The detailed relationship between the interfacial peptide orientation and these immobilization conditions is discussed.