Peptide-functionalized biomedical polymers that support cell adhesion and prevent bacterial attachment

The demand for multifunctional biomaterials drives the development of medical polymers from passive support to active agents in infection control and tissue regeneration. To address antimicrobial resistance and implant rejection, we generated peptide-functionalized scaffolds using electrospun polyurethane (PU) and poly(L-lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLC). We rationally designed two peptides that both confer antifouling properties. One of the peptides comprises the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif to promote cell adhesion. Both peptides contain 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), enabling stable surface immobilization under physiological conditions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the peptide attachment to the polymers. Both peptides reduced bacterial adhesion by ~90%. The RGD-functionalized peptide enhanced cell adhesion by over 400% on PU, while PLC scaffolds maintained similar cell compatibility with the peptide-functionalized scaffolds. Hemocompatibility tests showed minimal hemolysis and thrombus formation, supporting use in blood-contacting applications. We also report the application of enzymatic cleavage coupled with Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) for quantifying peptide surface density on biomedical scaffolds. These results demonstrate the promise of peptide-functionalized scaffolds for advanced biomedical implants.