Mussel-Inspired Catechol-Functionalized Hydrogels and Their Medical Applications

Mussel adhesive proteins (MAPs) have a unique ability to firmly adhere to different surfaces in aqueous environments via the special amino acid, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA). The catechol groups in DOPA are a key group for adhesive proteins, which is highly informative for the biomedical domain. By simulating MAPs, medical products can be developed for tissue adhesion, drug delivery, and wound healing. Hydrogel is a common formulation that is highly adaptable to numerous medical applications. Based on a discussion of the adhesion mechanism of MAPs, this paper reviews the formation and adhesion mechanism of catechol-functionalized hydrogels, types of hydrogels and main factors affecting adhesion, and medical applications of hydrogels, and future the development of catechol-functionalized hydrogels.

Deposition of Antibody Modified Upconversion Nanoparticles on Glass by a Laser-Assisted Method to Improve the Performance of Cell Culture

A suitable surface is vital for maintaining or even promoting cells' function and communication. Recently, studies show that nanostructured coatings could have a potential in improving cell adhesion. However, it hardly minimizes the contamination by using traditional solution-coating technology. Matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique is a contamination-free process and demonstrates an efficient process to deposit biopolymer without damaging their backbone on the surface of various substrates. Here, upconversion nanoparticles (NaGdF4: Yb3+, Er3+) with/without immunoglobulin G (IgG) modification were produced by a one-pot synthesis method. The average size of the upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) is 50 ± 8 nm. IgG bio-conjugated on the surface of UCNPs can be directly observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). MAPLE system utilizing a Nd:YAG laser (λ = 532 nm, ν = 10 Hz) is applied to deposit UCNPs with/without IgG modification on the glass bottom of culture dish. In addition, the behaviors of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cultured on the culture dishes coated with UCNPs with/without IgG have been studied as compared to the control sample, glass coated with gelatin. No toxic effect is imposed on cells. The results of this work indicate that the deposition of UCNPs with/without antibody by the MAPLE technique could enhance the adhesion and proliferation of cells.

Deposition of a hydrophilic nanocomposite-based coating on silicone hydrogel through a laser process to minimize UV exposure and bacterial contamination

Silicone hydrogel used as contact lens is deposited a nanocomposite coating by a matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE), which can protect eyes from UV exposure, and against bacterial contamination.

Anticoagulant sodium alginate sulfates and their mussel-inspired heparin-mimetic coatings

We synthesized novel sodium alginate sulfates (SASs) with different sulfation degrees. All the SASs, DA-g-SASs, and coated substrates had good anticoagulant properties and biocompatibilit.

Composites of Polymer Hydrogels and Nanoparticulate Systems for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Applications

Due to their unique structures and properties, three-dimensional hydrogels and nanostructured particles have been widely studied and shown a very high potential for medical, therapeutic and diagnostic applications. However, hydrogels and nanoparticulate systems have respective disadvantages that limit their widespread applications. Recently, the incorporation of nanostructured fillers into hydrogels has been developed as an innovative means for the creation of novel materials with diverse functionality in order to meet new challenges. In this review, the fundamentals of hydrogels and nanoparticles (NPs) were briefly discussed, and then we comprehensively summarized recent advances in the design, synthesis, functionalization and application of nanocomposite hydrogels with enhanced mechanical, biological and physicochemical properties. Moreover, the current challenges and future opportunities for the use of these promising materials in the biomedical sector, especially the nanocomposite hydrogels produced from hydrogels and polymeric NPs, are discussed.