Exploring the functionalization of Ti-6Al-4V alloy with the novel antimicrobial peptide JIChis-2 via plasma polymerization

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize the immobilization of the novel JIChis-2 peptide on the Ti-6Al-4V alloy, widely used in the biomedical sector. The antimicrobial activity of JIChis-2 was evaluated in the Gram-negative bacterium E. coli. Its immobilization occurred by inducing the formation of covalent bonds between the N-terminus of the peptides and the surface previously submitted to acrylic acid polymerization via the PECVD technique. Coated and uncoated surfaces were characterized by FTIR, AFM, SEM and EDX. Studies of global and localized corrosion were carried out, seeking to explore the effects triggered by surface treatment in an aggressive environment. Additionally, the ability of the functionalized material to prevent E. coli biofilm formation evidenced that the strategy to immobilize JIChis-2 in the Ti-6Al-4V alloy via PECVD of acrylic acid resulted in the development of a functional material with antibiofilm properties.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Peptide immobilization
• antimicrobial peptide
• Ti-6Al-4V alloy
• plasma polymerization
• biomedical applications

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support received from Foundation of Minas Gerais State (FAPEMIG-Brazil) (Grants APQ-00554-21, APQ-02276-18, APQ-01359-21), National Council of Technological and Scientific Development (CNPq-Brazil) (Grants 303659/2019-0, 440726/2020-4, 302582/2021-5, 310504/2020-1 and 140187/2017-0) and the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) for the scholarship (Finance Code 001). The authors would like to thank Prof. Dr. MP dos Santos Cabrera for donating the peptide.