Polyelectrolyte coatings for surface modification of medical implants

Abstract

Polyelectrolyte multi-layer (PEM) coatings are prepared by alternative deposition of single polyelectrolyte monolayers on charged surfaces using the Layer-by-Layer (LbL) dip coating procedure. These are nanometre scaled coatings which allow fulfilling of different technical or biological requirements. The build-up process is based on self-assembly and self-organization of polycations and polyanions on different substrates including complex geometrical structures and even closed volumes, forming homogeneous layer without defects. Depending on the proper selection of the applied polyelectrolytes, coatings with different stabilities can be prepared. Some of the coatings are stable and cannot be removed from the surface. Others are degradable and can be used as systems for controlled local drug delivery. Here we summarise the results of our experience in preparation of PEM coatings with different functionalities. PEM coatings can be used as controllable delivery system for siRNA polyplexes. They can be used to control the adhesion of different cell types on the surfaces and support e.g. the endothelialisation process on cardio-vascular medical devices as e.g. stents or reduce the immunological response of the tissue after implantation. We summarise results from physical characterisation of the coatings (e.g. film thickness, roughness, electrical charge and hydrophilicity) combined with in-vitro biological studies on adhesion of HUVEC cells.