Influence of zwitterionic SAMs on protein adsorption and the attachment of algal cells

Abstract

Zwitterionic polymers are non-fouling materials with immense potential for a range of biological applications. Here, we describe the resistance of zwitterionic self-assembled monolayers prepared from different solution ratios of positively and negatively charged thiols towards the adhesion of proteins, zoospores of the green alga Ulva linza, and cells of the unicellular alga Navicula perminuta. While mixed zwitterionic surfaces with a high hydrophilic nature significantly reduced the adhesion strength of the two algae, the positively and negatively charged components were far less effective.

Keywords:

• zwitterionic materials
• self-assembled monolayers
• biofouling
• hydration

Funding

The authors acknowledge support from the Office of Naval Research project [grant number N000141210498] (SB and AR) and [grant number N00014-08-1-0010] (JAC and MEC) and the Cluster of Excellence RESOLV (EXC 1069) funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. Helpful discussions with Michael Grunze (IFG, KIT) are kindly acknowledged.