A layered polymer coating with catechol-functionalized polymers provides stable, bioinert, and antifouling surfaces for diverse substrates, including metals and plastics. This architecture significantly reduces protein adsorption and cell adhesion, enhancing biocompatibility for medical and diagnostic applications.

Innovation Explanation

The invention introduces a versatile coating strategy using hyperbranched polyglycerol (hPG) functionalized with catecholic groups to create multi-layered films on various substrates. Catechol groups act as universal anchors, enabling strong adhesion and crosslinking with substrate-independent chemistry. The architecture combines an active anchoring layer, an inert intermediate layer, and a sealing top layer, ensuring long-term stability and antifouling performance. This approach addresses limitations of monolayer coatings and PEG-based systems, offering improved resistance to protein adsorption and cell adhesion, even under physiological conditions.

Key Innovation Features and Advantages

• – Substrate-independent adhesion via catechol chemistry
• – Multi-layer design for enhanced stability and antifouling performance
• – Tunable functionalization for bioinert or bioactive surfaces
• – Superior protein and cell resistance compared to PEG coatings
• – Applicable to metals, oxides, and polymeric substrates

Use Cases

• – Medical implants (permanent and temporary)
• – Cell culture devices (e.g., Petri dishes)
• – Biosensors and diagnostic devices
• – Drug-eluting stents and surgical tools

Commercial Opportunities

• – Advanced coatings for implantable medical devices
• – High-performance antifouling surfaces for diagnostics
• – Licensing for biomedical material manufacturers
• – Customizable coatings for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

Current Status

Patent filed and published; experimental validation demonstrates strong antifouling performance and long-term stability in physiological conditions. Ready for scale-up and industrial application.