Protein-based materials provide a biocompatible and sustainable platform for the fabrication of functional materials for biological applications such as tissue engineering and controlled drug delivery. Current strategies to design stable protein films are limited due to a narrow range of self-assembling protein precursors, the use of toxic crosslinkers or heat-induced denaturation. A technique utilizing a wide range of protein precursors while retaining native protein properties, must be employed to design proteins films for a variety of applications. We have developed a scalable and additive-free thermal treatment for the fabrication of stable, hydrophilic protein films. In this approach, protein films are treated in the presence of a fluorous media. Protein building blocks retain most of their secondary structure, enabling us to create charged films using charged native proteins. We demonstrate the versatility of this strategy through fabrication of antifouling coatings on complex three-dimensional surfaces, such as dental implants. The generation of highly biocompatible non-fouling surfaces and regulation of cellular adhesion through choice of protein precursor, proves that these films are viable candidates for use in biomaterials.

Adaptation of charge and hydrophilicity of native protein on surfaces employing thermal treatment in fluorous media

256th National Meeting (2018)

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