Amine-Rich Coatings to Potentially Promote Cell Adhesion, Proliferation and Differentiation, and Reduce Microbial Colonization: Strategies for Generation and Characterization

• Main Authors: Laurine Martocq, Timothy E. L. Douglas
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-08-01
• Series: Coatings
• Subjects: amine groups; coatings; surface characterization; antimicrobial; cell behavior
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6412/11/8/983

Biomaterial surface modification represents an important approach to obtain a better integration of the material in surrounding tissues. Different techniques are focused on improving cell support as well as avoiding efficiently the development of infections, such as by modifying the biomaterial surface with amine groups (–NH₂). Previous studies showed that –NH₂ groups could promote cell adhesion and proliferation. Moreover, these chemical functionalities may be used to facilitate the attachment of molecules such as proteins or to endow antimicrobial properties. This mini-review gives an overview of different techniques which have been used to obtain amine-rich coatings such as plasma methods and adsorption of biomolecules. In fact, different plasma treatment methods are commonly used with ammonia gas or by polymerization of precursors such as allylamine, as well as coatings of proteins (for example, collagen) or polymers containing –NH₂ groups (for example, polyethyleneimine). Moreover, this mini-review will present the methods used to characterize such coatings and, in particular, quantify the –NH₂ groups present on the surface by using dyes or chemical derivatization methods.