Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
In recent years the immobilization of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) on surfaces has proved to be one of the most attractive methods to prevent biological fouling of surfaces. We have developed a paradoxical biomimetic PEGylation strategy that exploits the adhesive characteristics of proteins secreted by marine mussels—one of nature's most notorious foulers. Linear PEGs were coupled to peptides containing 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), an unusual amino acid which is found in high concentration in these so-called mussel adhesive proteins. Using surface plasmon resonance, we have demonstrated enhanced resistance to protein adhesion on gold substrates modified with the DOPA-containing PEGs.