Abstract
Synchrotron-based soft X-ray spectromicroscopy techniques are emerging as useful tools to characterize potentially biocompatible materials and to probe protein interactions with model biomaterial surfaces. Simultaneous quantitative chemical analysis of the near surface region of the candidate biomaterial, and adsorbed proteins, peptides or other biological species can be obtained at high spatial resolution via scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) and X-ray photoemission electron microscopy (X-PEEM). Both techniques use near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectral contrast for chemical identification and quantitation. The capabilities of STXM and X-PEEM for the analysis of biomaterials are reviewed and illustrated by three recent studies: (1) characterization of hydrophobic surfaces, including adsorption of fibrinogen (Fg) or human serum albumin (HSA) to hydrophobic polymeric thin films, (2) studies of HSA adsorption to biodegradable or potentially biocompatible polymers, and (3) studies of biomaterials under fully hydrated conditions. Other recent applications of STXM and X-PEEM to biomaterials are also reviewed.
Highlights
Upon implantation in biological tissue or first contact with blood, materials are immediately coated with a layer of proteins
The resulting system of PS-rich and PMMA-rich domains serves as a suitable model for a polymeric biomaterial with regions having different surface polarities and hydrophobicities, which may drive selective protein adsorption
Similar PS-rich surfaces were obtained for PS/PMMA blend ratios of 90/10, 66/33, and 30/70 w/w using high molecular weight polymers (PS = 1M, PMMA 300K), which suggests that the thin films may not be in thermodynamic equilibrium [24]
Summary
Upon implantation in biological tissue or first contact with blood, materials are immediately coated with a layer of proteins. The properties of this initial protein layer can have a very strong effect on biocompatibility [1]. The research reviewed here speaks to one of the broad objectives of modern biomaterials research, namely understanding and controlling protein surface interactions. Control in this context includes both complete prevention or minimization of adsorption (protein resistance, antifouling) as well as promotion of adsorption of one specific protein from the contacting biological tissue or fluid. Maintenance of protein bioactivity is required in the latter case
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