A hybrid proteolytic and antibacterial bifunctional film based on amphiphilic carbonaceous conjugates of trypsin and vancomycin

Abstract

In this study, we firstly describe the synthesis and characterization of amphiphilic carbonaceous particles (ACPs) derived from Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells. These ACPs possess a versatile functional surface and are highly dispersible in solvents of different polarities, which enable them to serve as a motif for functional groups. Secondly, we describe the construction of a multifunctional antifouling polymer surface based on amphiphilic carbonaceous conjugates of Trypsin (Tryp) and vancomycin hydrochloride (Van). The use of ACPs not only achieves the uniform incorporation of Tryp and Van into a hydrophobic polymer matrix, but also retains their activity and stability. The resultant hybrid film possesses strong proteolytic and bactericidal activities and displays a strong ability in preventing the attachment of human serum albumin/human fibrinogen and S. aureus by the contact-mediated protein-degrading and bacteria-killing mechanism. Further investigations of stability and reusability indicate that the hybrid film is highly active and stable under physiological conditions. The strategy described herein for the construction of multifunctional antifouling surfaces is simple and thus can be extended to other functional molecules and matrices for broader antifouling applications.