Journal article
Photografted Dual-Network Zwitterionic Hydrogel Coatings for Biomaterials
ACS applied polymer materials
09/01/2026
DOI: 10.1021/acsapm.6c02510
Abstract
Reduction of foreign body response and fibrotic capsule formation with implanted biomaterials can significantly improve the lifetime and function of medical devices, including those that deliver electrical stimulation such as cochlear implants. Zwitterionic hydrogels resist biofouling but may lack the mechanical strength and stability necessary for long-term applications. In this study, we have developed durable and robust antifouling dual-network zwitterionic coatings covalently bonded to poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). These dual-network hydrogels are formed using photografting and photopolymerization of a primary network, followed by swelling and photopolymerization of a secondary monomer system, thereby enhancing the strength and durability of the coating. For example, the material stiffness increases slightly with lightly to moderately crosslinked secondary networks, while higher coating strength results from a highly crosslinked secondary network. The introduction of a secondary network also enables control of swelling and ultimate thickness with up to threefold reductions in swelling for hydrogels with lower crosslink density. As with single-network hydrogels, dual-network coatings demonstrate high flexibility and a low coefficient of friction. Additionally, dual-network hydrogel coatings reduce fibroblast adhesion compared to PDMS in vitro with large decreases in fibrotic capsule thickness in vivo. These results illustrate the potential of dual-network coatings as an effective strategy for improving the long-term performance of implanted biomaterials by reducing biofouling and controlling material properties of the photografted hydrogel.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Photografted Dual-Network Zwitterionic Hydrogel Coatings for Biomaterials
- Creators
- George Barrera - University of IowaAnne Wu - University of IowaAdreann Peel - University of IowaNaomi Elmer - Brigham Young UniversityKameron R. Hansen - University of IowaLinjing Xu - University of IowaMarlan R. Hansen - University of IowaC. Allan Guymon - Brigham Young University
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- ACS applied polymer materials
- DOI
- 10.1021/acsapm.6c02510
- ISSN
- 2637-6105
- eISSN
- 2637-6105
- Publisher
- American Chemical Society
- Grant note
- National Institutes of Health (NIH): RO1DC012578
This work was supported by funding provided by the National Institutes of Health (RO1DC012578).
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 09/01/2026
- Academic Unit
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics; Chemical and Biochemical Engineering; Neurosurgery; Otolaryngology
- Record Identifier
- 9985224339502771
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