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Peptide-Based Hydrogel Containing a Carbohydrate for Biofouling Resistance

Detailed Technology Description

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*Abstract

Prevents Accumulation of Proteins, Bacteria, and Mammalian Cells on Biomedical Devices

This hydrogel inhibits the binding of bacterial and mammalian cells, proteins, and other non-specific biofilms, due to a carbohydrate immersed in its peptide base. According to estimates by the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH), the accumulation of biofilms on medical devices causes about 45 percent of all hospital-acquired infections in the U.S. Furthermore, infections due to bacterial fouling cost an estimated $6 billion a year in the U.S. alone. Available anti-fouling strategies limit this buildup, but often require multi-step reactions with complex chemistries.

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a hydrogel from self-assembling peptides with a carbohydrate addition that provides anti-fouling properties. An application of these hydrogels to objects and surfaces, such as medical implants, contact lenses, and biosensors can render them fouling resistant.

Application

Carbohydrate-modified peptide hydrogel that restricts microscopic biofouling

Advantages

• Possesses an optically clear carbohydrate, allowing for transparent hydrogels
• Entails a well-established synthesis procedure using biomolecules already present in the biological system, facilitating ease of production
• Involves simple chemistry for manufacturing, reducing the resources and steps needed for production
• Hinders the non-specific binding of biological substances, providing a fouling-resistant material capable of coating various substances and biomedical devices
• Contains anti-fouling properties both on the surface and throughout the majority of the gel, extending the possibilities for application and use

Technology

This hydrogel confers resistance to biofouling due to the integration of a carbohydrate into its peptide foundation. The hydrogel itself comprises of synthetic self-assembling peptides which form nanofibers. These nanofibers entangle at high concentrations to form the hydrogel in aqueous buffer. The peptide component contains the carbohydrate N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) which serves as the required primary agent for supplying the anti-fouling properties. The optically transparent carbohydrate attaches to a nitrogen atom on an asparagine amino acid within the peptides via N-linked glycosylation. This process enables the carbohydrate to completely incorporate into the hydrogel

*Principal Investigator

Name: Gregory Hudalla

Department:

Name: Antonietta Restuccia

Department:

Country/Region

USA