Protein-based surface coatings as antifouling coating for implantable medical devices
Stable antifouling coating for implantable medical devices Surface-independent coating on substrates Ease of preparation and on-demand functionalities
Highlights
- Stable antifouling coating for implantable medical devices
- Surface-independent coating on substrates
- Ease of preparation and on-demand functionalities
Opportunity
Researchers from the University of Alberta have developed multifunctional coatings using BSA proteins combined with a polyacrylate specifically selected for desired functions, especially for antifouling functions. The BSA moiety facilitates the surface-independent coating on substrates, including metallic, organic, and inorganic substrates, achieving a uniform and compact coating. Unlike traditional synthetic polymers, arduous surface pretreatments are not required. The engineered protein can achieve facile and surface-independent coating on various substrates through a simple dipping/spraying method. The conjugated polyacrylates impart coating surfaces with versatile on-demand functionalities for biomedical applications, such as antifouling properties for implantable medical devices, stimuli-responsive smart surfaces for controllable and rapid drug release, and robust adhesion with various nanomaterials for therapeutic sensors. An exemplar polyacrylate is sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) and enables coated surfaces to exhibit superior resistance to biofouling for a broad spectrum of species, including proteins, metabolites, cells, and biofluids under various biological conditions. The coating can resist over 99% biofoulants under complex biofluids conditions (various salinity and pH 3-10) and shows long-term stability in an in-vitro blood circulation test.
Competitive advantage
- Unlike traditional synthetic polymers, arduous surface pretreatments are not required
- Effective against biofouling in complex conditions and shows long-term stability
- Applicable to implantable sensors, knee replacements, and artificial blood vessels
Status
- Patent pending
About University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is a large, comprehensive public research university in Edmonton with multiple campuses and a strong applied research culture. Industry engages through co-located labs and pilot-scale facilities, as well as established co-op and internship programs that place talent with partners year-round. Integration with Alberta’s province-wide hospital system supports clinical research and accelerates translation. Companies also benefit from proximity to regional industry clusters and collaboration hubs on and near campus for joint R&D and prototyping. Supported by NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC, and Canada Foundation for Innovation funding—plus provincial and industry support—the tech transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation with streamlined sponsored-research agreements.
delivered to your inbox.