Publications

Biomaterial-associated infections (BAIs) pose significant challenges in modern medical technologies, being a major postoperative complication and leading cause of implant failure. These infections significantly risk patient health, resulting in prolonged hospitalization, increased morbidity and mortality rates, and elevated treatment expenses. This comprehensive review examines the mechanisms driving bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on biomaterial surfaces, offering an in-depth analysis of current antimicrobial strategies for preventing BAIs. We explore antimicrobial-eluting biomaterials, contact-killing surfaces, and antifouling coatings, emphasizing the application of antifouling polymer brushes on medical devices. Recent advancements in multifunctional antimicrobial biomaterials, which integrate multiple mechanisms for superior protection against BAIs, are also discussed. By evaluating the advantages and limitations of these strategies, this review aims to guide the design and development of highly efficient and biocompatible antimicrobial biomaterials. We highlight potential design routes that facilitate the transition from laboratory research to clinical applications. Additionally, we provide insights into the potential of synthetic biology as a novel approach to combat antimicrobial resistance. This review aspires to inspire future research and innovation, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing medical device technology.

JTD Keywords: Antifouling coatings, Antimicrobial peptide, Antimicrobial-eluting coatings, Bacterial biofilm formation, Biomaterial-associated infections, Contact killing coatings, In-vitr, Infused porous surfaces, Metal-oxide surfaces, Multifunctional antimicrobial coating, Poly(l-lysine)-g-poly(ethylene glycol) layers, Polymer brushes, Silicone oil, Superhydrophobic surfaces, Urinary catheters

Fibronectin (FN) fibrillogenesis is a cell-mediated process involving integrin activation that results in conformational changes of FN molecules and the organization of actin cytoskeleton. A similar process can be induced by some chemistries in the absence of cells, e.g., poly(ethyl acrylate) (PEA), which enhance FN-FN interactions leading to the formation of a biologically active network. Atomic force microscopy images of single FN molecules, at the early stages of adsorption on plane PEA, allow one to rationalize the process. Further, the role of the spatial organization of the FN network on the cellular response is investigated through its adsorption on electrospun fibers. Randomly oriented and aligned PEA fibers were prepared to mimic the three-dimensional organization of the extracellular matrix. The formation of the FN network on the PEA fibers but not on the supporting coverglass was confirmed. Fibroblasts aligned with oriented fibers, displayed extended morphology, developed linearly organized focal adhesion complexes, and matured actin filaments. Conversely, on random PEA fibers, cells acquired polygonal morphology with altered actin cytoskeleton but well-developed focal adhesions. Late FN matrix formation was also influenced: spatially organized FN matrix fibrils along the oriented PEA fibers and an altered arrangement on random ones.

JTD Keywords: AFM, Cell-adhesion, Dependent conformations, Hydrophobic surfaces, Extracellular-matrix, Bound fibronectin, Polymer surfaces, Integrin binding, Biocompatibility, Adsorption