University of Massachusetts

Pingsheng Liu

Jie Song

David C Ayers

The invention provides a novel approach in which zwitterionic networks are used to sequester and deliver ionic biomolecules, such as proteins, without compromising their native conformation and bioactivity. Zwitterionic networks are designed to effectively retain and deliver ionic or polar biomolecules for guided tissue regeneration. The invention represents a conceptual advance and enables a novel strategy for the utilization of zwitterionic motifs as therapeutics delivery vehicles and tissue engineering scaffolds.

Zwitterionic hydrogels for delivery of biomolecules

The invention provides novel surface coatings having surface polymer brushes with zwitterionic and antibiotics-conjugated side chains and synergistic anti-fouling and bactericidal properties. The surface coatings may be prepared using highly efficient surface-initiated 'living' polymerization. The design of the surface polymer brushes are highly modular, allowing independent tuning of the anti-fouling and bactericidal properties, e.g., by varying the chemical nature of the zwitterionic motif and the antibiotic agent, the chemistry through which the antibiotic agent is conjugated to the polymer side chains, the molecular weight of the polymer brushes (e.g., thickness of coating and density of respective functional motifs), and the spatial arrangement of the respective functional motifs (e.g., homopolymers, block copolymers, random copolymers) to achieve optimal and sustained anti-infection outcome for a given application.

Growing community of inventors

Worcester, MA, United States of America

Pingsheng Liu