Lubricin on Platinum Electrodes: A Low-Impedance Protein-Resistant Surface Towards Biomedical Implantation

Biofouling on surfaces compromises the function of biomedical devices whose function involves contact with biological fluids. In the context of electrochemical devices, proteins are attracted to the surface via coaction of various forces (hydrogen bond, hydrophobic effect, and other polar interactions) and protein interaction with the surface can significantly alter the surface chemistry. In response to this issue, we have developed an efficient anti-biofouling surface that employs a glycoprotein, lubricin (LUB), and which generates low impedance layers compatible with electrochemical applications. Herein, we investigate how different LUB densities on platinum (Pt) electrodes affect the surface electrochemistry and its ability to prevent nonspecific adsorption of protein to the surface. Surfaces with higher densities of LUB were more resistant to protein adsorption. The LUB modified Pt electrodes were challenged in artificial perilymph (AP) media under passive and electrically stimulated conditions over 7-day periods throughout which the LUB layer retained its anti-biofouling and surface coating stability.