Self-Assembled N-Succinyl-Chitosan Nanofibers for Reduced Protein Adhesion

Abstract

Protein adhesion on biomaterial surfaces plays a major role in determining their biocompatibility and cell responses. The goal of this study was to produce chitosan-based coatings of implant material polyurethane (PUR) for reduced human serum albumin (HSA) adhesion. Succinic anhydride was employed for modifying chitosan and synthesis of N-succinyl-chitosan (NSCS) which was used as a matrix coating of PUR. NSCS showed self-assembly behaviour as nanofiber structures onto PUR surface. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has emerged as useful tool for the molecular force measurements and therefore it has been chosen to investigate the adhesion properties of Human serum albumin (HSA) on the new matrix coatings and other three implant materials PUR, Silicon and Titanium. HSA molecules were covalently bound to the AFM tip by the use of cyanuric chloride as bivalent linker. Analyzing the force curves demonstrated the antiadhesive properties of the NSCS films in comparison with the uncoated PUR, Silicon and Titanium.