Antifouling Surface Coating on Various Substrates by Inducing Tyrosinase-Mediated Oxidation of a Tyrosine-Conjugated Sulfobetaine Derivative

Biomacromolecules. 2022 Oct 10;23(10):4349-4356. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00804. Epub 2022 Sep 1.

Abstract

Inspired by the melanogenesis occurring in nature, we report tyrosinase-mediated antifouling surface coating by synthesizing a tyrosine-conjugated sulfobetaine derivative (Tyr-SB). Synthetic Tyr-SB contains zwitterionic sulfobetaine and tyrosine, whose phenolic amine group acts as a dormant coating precursor. In contrast to catecholamine derivatives, tyrosine derivatives are stable against auto-oxidation and are enzymatically oxidized only in the presence of tyrosinase to initiate melanin-like oxidation. When the surface of interest was applied during the course of Tyr-SB oxidation, a superhydrophilic poly(Tyr-SB) film was coated on the surfaces, thereby showing antifouling performance against proteins or adherent cells. Because the oxidation of Tyr-SB occurred under mild aqueous conditions (pH 6-7) without the use of any chemical oxidants, such as sodium periodate or ammonium persulfate, we anticipate that the coating method described herein will serve as a biocompatible tool in the field of biosensors, cell surface engineering, and medical devices, whose interfaces differ in chemistry.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Betaine / analogs & derivatives
  • Biofouling* / prevention & control
  • Catecholamines
  • Melanins
  • Monophenol Monooxygenase*
  • Oxidants
  • Tyrosine

Substances

  • Catecholamines
  • Melanins
  • Oxidants
  • Betaine
  • Tyrosine
  • sulfobetaine
  • Monophenol Monooxygenase