Micro- and Nanopatterned Silk Substrates for Antifouling Applications
Gabriele Tullii, Stefano Donini, Caterina Bossio, Francesco Lodola, Mariacecilia Pasini, Emilio Parisini, Francesco Galeotti, Maria Rosa Antognazza
Abstract
as representative Gram-negative bacteria, and we observe an up to 66% decrease in the number of bacteria that adhere to patterned silk surfaces as compared to control, flat silk samples. The mechanism leading to the inhibition of biofilm formation critically depends on the microstructure geometry, involving both a steric and a hydrophobic effect. We also couple silk fibroin patterned films to a biocompatible, optically responsive organic semiconductor, and we verify that the antifouling properties are very well preserved. The technology described here is of interest for the next generation of biomedical implants, involving the use of materials with enhanced antibacterial capability, easy processability, high biocompatibility, and prompt availability for coupling with photoimaging and photodetection techniques.