Alginate coatings suppress unspecific protein adhesion on PVC

This study involved oxygen plasma activation of PVC and its effect on alginate coating adhesion, analyzed using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). The results demonstrated improved adhesion of alginate on plasma-activated PVC due to an increase of oxidized functional groups. Wettability measurements, conducted using optical contact angle goniometry and QCM-D, showed a significant increase in the wettability of PVC after alginate coating, with contact angles decreasing from 81.4 ± 1.1° to 37.3 ± 3.1° 3D-profilometry mapping revealed a uniform distribution of alginate on the PVC film. Real-time antifouling studies using QCM-D with two model proteins, bovine serum albumin and bovine fibrinogen, were performed to elucidate the surface interactions involved in protein inhibition. The results indicated a substantial reduction in protein adhesion on alginate-coated PVC. This reduction in protein adhesion is attributed to the high hydrophilicity of the alginate coatings and partial removal of the alginate, which together contribute to poor protein adhesion. This comprehensive approach advances the development of effective solutions for mitigating biofilm-related issues on PVC-based medical devices, offering significant implications for improving patient outcomes.