Enhancement of Inhibition of the Pseudomonas sp. Biofilm Formation on Bacterial Cellulose-Based Wound Dressing by the Combined Action of Alginate Lyase and Gentamicin.

Bacterial biofilms generally contribute to chronic infections, including wound infections. Due to the antibiotic resistance mechanisms protecting bacteria living in the biofilm, they are a serious problem in the wound healing process. To accelerate the wound healing process and avoid bacterial infection, it is necessary to select the appropriate dressing material. In this study, the promising therapeutic properties of alginate lyase (AlgL) immobilised on BC membranes for protecting wounds from Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection were investigated. The AlgL was immobilised on never dried BC pellicles via physical adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacity of AlgL was 6.0 mg/g of dry BC, and the equilibrium was reached after 2 h. The adsorption kinetics was studied, and it has been proven that the adsorption was consistent with Langmuir isotherm. In addition, the impact of enzyme immobilisation on bacterial biofilm stability and the effect of simultaneous immobilisation of AlgL and gentamicin on the viability of bacterial cells was investigated. The obtained results showed that the AlgL immobilisation significantly reduced the amount of polysaccharides component of the P. aeruginosa biofilm. Moreover, the biofilm disruption by AlgL immobilised on BC membranes exhibited synergism with the gentamicin, resulting in 86.5% more dead P. aeruginosa PAO-1 cells.

Evaluation of Chemical Changes in Laboratory-Induced Colistin-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.

This study evaluates the electrical potential and chemical alterations in laboratory-induced colistin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, as compared to the susceptible strain using spectroscopic analyses. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of colistin, ζ-potential and chemical composition analysis of K. pneumoniae strains are determined. The results obtained for the K. pneumoniaeCol-R with induced high-level colistin resistance (MIC = 16.0 ± 0.0 mg/L) are compared with the K. pneumoniaeCol-S strain susceptible to colistin (MIC = 0.25 ± 0.0 mg/L). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopic studies revealed differences in bacterial cell wall structures and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of K. pneumoniaeCol-R and K. pneumoniaeCol-S strains. In the beginning, we assumed that the obtained results could relate to a negative charge of the bacterial surface and different electrostatic interactions with cationic antibiotic molecules, reducing the affinity of colistin and leading to its lower penetration into K. pneumoniaeCol-R cell. However, no significant differences in the ζ-potential between the K. pneumoniaeCol-R and K. pneumoniaeCol-S strains are noticed. In conclusion, this mechanism is most probably associated with recognisable changes in the chemical composition of the K. pneumoniaeCol-R cell wall (especially in LPS) when compared to the susceptible strain.

Potato Juice, a Starch Industry Waste, as a Cost-Effective Medium for the Biosynthesis of Bacterial Cellulose.

In this work, we verified the possibility of valorizing a major waste product of the potato starch industry, potato tuber juice (PJ). We obtained a cost-effective, ecological-friendly microbiological medium that yielded bacterial cellulose (BC) with properties equivalent to those from conventional commercial Hestrin-Schramm medium. The BC yield from the PJ medium (>4 g/L) was comparable, despite the lack of any pre-treatment. Likewise, the macro- and microstructure, physicochemical parameters, and chemical composition showed no significant differences between PJ and control BC. Importantly, the BC obtained from PJ was not cytotoxic against fibroblast cell line L929 in vitro and did not contain any hard-to-remove impurities. The PJ-BC soaked with antiseptic exerted a similar antimicrobial effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as to BC obtained in the conventional medium and supplemented with antiseptic. These are very important aspects from an application standpoint, particularly in biomedicine. Therefore, we conclude that using PJ for BC biosynthesis is a path toward significant valorization of an environmentally problematic waste product of the starch industry, but also toward a significant drop in BC production costs, enabling wider application of this biopolymer in biomedicine.

Adsorption of Fibrinogen and Fibronectin on Elastomeric Poly(butylene succinate) Copolyesters.

Proteins adsorbed onto biomaterial surfaces facilitate cell-material interactions, including adhesion and migration. Of particular importance are provisional matrix components, fibrinogen (Fg) and fibronectin (Fn), which play an important role in the wound-healing process. Here, to assess the potential of a series of elastomeric poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) copolymers for soft tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications, we examined the adsorption of Fg and Fn. We prepared spin-coated thin films of the poly(butylene succinate) homopolymer and a series of elastomeric poly(butylene succinate) copolymers with butylene succinate (PBS, hard segment) to succinate-dimer linoleic diol unit (dilinoleic succinate (DLS), soft segments) weight ratios of 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50. X-ray diffraction was used to assess crystallinity, whereas the obtained thin films were characterized using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) and atomic force microscopy. Protein adsorption was assessed using QCM-D, followed by data analysis using viscoelastic modeling. On all three copolymers, we observed robust adsorption of both key provisional matrix proteins. Importantly, for both proteins, viscoelastic modeling determined that the adlayers were 30-40 nm thick and had low shear modulus values (<25 kPa), thus indicating soft orientations (end-on for Fg) or conformations (open for Fn) of the hydrated proteins. Overall, our results are very encouraging, as they predict excellent cell adhesion and migration, key features enabling tissue integration of potential PBS-DLS scaffolds.

Low nitric oxide bioavailability contributes to the genesis of experimental cerebral malaria.

The role of nitric oxide (NO) in the genesis of cerebral malaria is controversial. Most investigators propose that the unfortunate consequence of the high concentrations of NO produced to kill the parasite is the development of cerebral malaria. Here we have tested this high NO bioavailability hypothesis in the setting of experimental cerebral malaria (ECM), but find instead that low NO bioavailability contributes to the genesis of ECM. Specifically, mice deficient in vascular NO synthase showed parasitemia and mortality similar to that observed in control mice. Exogenous NO did not affect parasitemia but provided marked protection against ECM; in fact, mice treated with exogenous NO were clinically indistinguishable from uninfected mice at a stage when control infected mice were moribund. Administration of exogenous NO restored NO-mediated signaling in the brain, decreased proinflammatory biomarkers in the blood, and markedly reduced vascular leak and petechial hemorrhage into the brain. Low NO bioavailability in the vasculature during ECM was caused in part by an increase in NO-scavenging free hemoglobin in the blood, by hypoargininemia, and by low blood and erythrocyte nitrite concentrations. Exogenous NO inactivated NO-scavenging free hemoglobin in the plasma and restored nitrite to concentrations observed in uninfected mice. We therefore conclude that low rather than high NO bioavailability contributes to the genesis of ECM.

Injectable and photocurable macromonomers synthesized using a heterometallic magnesium-titanium metal-organic catalyst for elastomeric polymer networks.

Injectable and in situ photocurable biomaterials are receiving a lot of attention due to their ease of application via syringe or dedicated applicator and ability to be used in laparoscopic and robotic minimally invasive procedures. The aim of this work was to synthesize photocurable ester-urethane macromonomers using a heterometallic magnesium-titanium catalyst, magnesium-titanium(iv) butoxide for elastomeric polymer networks. The progress of the two-step synthesis of macromonomers was monitored using infrared spectroscopy. The chemical structure and molecular weight of the obtained macromonomers were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography. The dynamic viscosity of the obtained macromonomers was evaluated by a rheometer. Next, the photocuring process was studied under both air and argon atmospheres. Both the thermal and dynamic mechanical thermal properties of the photocured soft and elastomeric networks were investigated. Finally, in vitro cytotoxicity screening of polymer networks based on ISO10993-5 revealed high cell viability (over 77%) regardless of curing atmosphere. Overall, our results indicate that this heterometallic magnesium-titanium butoxide catalyst can be an attractive alternative to commonly used homometallic catalysts for the synthesis of injectable and photocurable materials for medical applications.

Argon plasma-modified bacterial cellulose filters for protection against respiratory pathogens.

In this work, we present novel, sustainable filters based on bacterial cellulose (BC) functionalized with low-pressure argon plasma (LPP-Ar). The "green" production process involved BC biosynthesis by Komagataeibacter xylinus, followed by simple purification, homogenization, lyophilization, and finally LPP-Ar treatment. The obtained LPP-Ar-functionalized BC-based material (LPP-Ar-BC-bM) showed excellent antimicrobial and antiviral properties against both Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria, and an enveloped bacteriophage phage Φ6, with no cytotoxicity versus murine fibroblasts in vitro. Further, filters consisting of three layers of LPP-Ar-BC-bM had >99 % bacterial and viral filtration efficiency, while maintaining sufficiently low airflow resistance (6 mbar at an airflow of 95 L/min). Finally, as a proof-of-concept, we were able to prepare 80 masks with LPP-Ar-BC-bM filter and ~85 % of volunteer medical staff assessed them as "good" or "very good" in terms of comfort. We conclude that our novel sustainable, biobased, biodegradable filters are suitable for respiratory personal protective equipment (PPE), such as surgical masks and respirators.

Enhancement of neutrophil chemotaxis by trans-anethole-treated Staphylococcus aureus strains.

This study aimed to analyze the chemotactic response of differentiated HL-60 neutrophil-like (dHL-60) cells to trans-anethole (TA)-treated Staphylococcus aureus strains. Special attention was paid to evaluate the influence of TA on the chp gene expression level, as well as molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies on interactions of TA with chemotaxis inhibitory protein of S. aureus (CHIPS). The following parameters were studied: susceptibility to TA using the agar diffusion method, the chp gene detection and its expression under TA influence, and clonal diversity of S. aureus strains using molecular techniques. Furthermore, a chemotactic response of dHL-60 cells to TA-treated S. aureus using Boyden chamber assay was detected and molecular modeling using both the docking methodology and unbiased MD simulations was conducted. It was found that TA showed antibacterial activity against all strains. Three genotypes and one unique pattern were distinguished among the strains. 50% of the isolates were chp-positive. It was observed that TA reduced/inhibited chp gene expression in most S. aureus strains. Enhanced chemotactic response of dHL-60 cells to TA-treated S. aureus strains was also noted. This correlation was similar for both chp-positive and chp-negative strains. Both molecular docking and MD simulations studies confirmed that TA is preferentially bound in the complement component 5a/CHIPS interface interaction region and can interfere with any processes exploiting this binding cavity. It has been proven that dHL-60 cells exhibited a higher chemotactic response to TA-treated S. aureus strains in comparison to non-treated bacteria, regardless of the achieved expression of the chp gene or its lack. Nevertheless, further analyses are required to understand this mechanism better.

Alginate Biofunctional Films Modified with Melanin from Watermelon Seeds and Zinc Oxide/Silver Nanoparticles.

Bioactive films find more and more applications in various industries, including packaging and biomedicine. This work describes the preparation, characterization and physicochemical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of alginate films modified with melanin from watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seeds at concentrations of 0.10%, 0.25% and 0.50% w/w and with silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles (10 mM film casting solutions for both metal nanoparticles). Melanin served as the active ingredient of the film and as a nanoparticle stabilizer. The additives affected the color, antioxidant (~90% ABTS and DPPH radicals scavenging for all melanin modified films) and antimicrobial activity (up to 4 mm grow inhibition zones of E. coli and S. aureus for both zinc oxide and silver nanoparticles), mechanical (silver nanoparticles addition effected two-fold higher tensile strength), thermal and barrier properties for water and UV-vis radiation. The addition of ZnONP resulted in improved UV barrier properties while maintaining good visible light transmittance, whereas AgNP resulted in almost complete UV barrier and reduced visible light transmittance of the obtained films. What is more, the obtained films did not have an adverse effect on cell viability in cytotoxicity screening. These films may have potential applications in food packaging or biomedical applications.

Silicone polyether surfactant enhances bacterial cellulose synthesis and water holding capacity.

The versatility and unique properties of bacterial cellulose (BC) motivate research into enhancing its synthesis. Here a silicone polyether surfactant (SPS) was synthesized and tested as a non-nutritional additive to the cultivation media of Komagataeibacter xylinus. The addition of SPS to the Hestrin-Schramm (HS) medium resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease in surface tension from 59.57 ± 0.37 mN/m to 30.05 ± 0.41 mN/m (for 0.1% addition) that was correlated with an increased yield of BC, up to 37% wet mass for surfactant concentration close to its critical micelle concentration (0.008%). Physicochemical characterization of bacterial cellulose obtained in presence of SPS, showed that surfactant is not incorporated into BC structure and has a moderate effect on its crystallinity, thermal stability. Moreover, the water holding capacity was enhanced by over 40%. Importantly, obtained BC did not affect L929 murine fibroblast cell viability. We conclude that SPS provides an eco-friendly approach to increasing BC yield in static culture, enabling more widespread industrial and biomedical applications.

Air bubble contact with endothelial cells in vitro induces calcium influx and IP3-dependent release of calcium stores.

Gas embolism is a serious complication of decompression events and clinical procedures, but the mechanism of resulting injury remains unclear. Previous work has demonstrated that contact between air microbubbles and endothelial cells causes a rapid intracellular calcium transient and can lead to cell death. Here we examined the mechanism responsible for the calcium rise. Single air microbubbles (50-150 µm), trapped at the tip of a micropipette, were micromanipulated into contact with individual human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) loaded with Fluo-4 (a fluorescent calcium indicator). Changes in intracellular calcium were then recorded via epifluorescence microscopy. First, we confirmed that HUVECs rapidly respond to air bubble contact with a calcium transient. Next, we examined the involvement of extracellular calcium influx by conducting experiments in low calcium buffer, which markedly attenuated the response, or by pretreating cells with stretch-activated channel blockers (gadolinium chloride or ruthenium red), which abolished the response. Finally, we tested the role of intracellular calcium release by pretreating cells with an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor blocker (xestospongin C) or phospholipase C inhibitor (neomycin sulfate), which eliminated the response in 64% and 67% of cases, respectively. Collectively, our results lead us to conclude that air bubble contact with endothelial cells causes an influx of calcium through a stretch-activated channel, such as a transient receptor potential vanilloid family member, triggering the release of calcium from intracellular stores via the IP3 pathway.

Novel Naproxen Salts with Increased Skin Permeability.

The paper presents the synthesis, full identification, and characterization of new salts-L-proline alkyl ester naproxenates [ProOR][NAP], where R was a chain from ethyl to butyl (including isopropyl). All obtained compounds were characterized by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD), and in vitro dissolution studies. The specific rotation, phase transition temperatures (melting point), and thermal stability were also determined. In addition, their lipophilicity, permeability, and accumulation in pigskin were determined. Finally, toxicity against mouse L929 fibroblast cells was tested. The obtained naproxen derivatives showed improved solubility and higher absorption of drug molecules by biological membranes. Their lipophilicity was lower and increased with the increase in the alkyl chain of the ester. The derivative with isopropyl ester had the best permeability through pigskin. The use of L-proline isopropyl ester naproxenate increased the permeation of naproxen through the skin almost four-fold. It was also shown that the increase in permeability is not associated with additional risk: all compounds had a similar effect on cell viability as the parent naproxen.

Superabsorbent crosslinked bacterial cellulose biomaterials for chronic wound dressings.

In this work, we present a novel ex situ modification of bacterial cellulose (BC) polymer, that significantly improves its ability to absorb water after drying. The method involves a single inexpensive and easy-to-perform process of BC crosslinking, using citric acid along with catalysts, such as disodium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate or their mixtures. In particular, the mixture of disodium phosphate and sodium bicarbonate was the most promising, yielding significantly greater water capacity (over 5 times higher as compared to the unmodified BC) and slower water release (over 6 times as compared to the unmodified BC). Further, our optimized crosslinked BC had over 1.5x higher water capacity than modern commercial dressings dedicated to highly exuding wounds, while exhibiting no cytotoxic effects against fibroblast cell line L929 in vitro. Therefore, our novel BC biomaterial may find application in super-absorbent dressings, designed for chronic wounds with imbalanced moisture level.

Glycoside hydrolase (PelAh) immobilization prevents Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation on cellulose-based wound dressing.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is recognized as a wound dressing material well-suited for chronic wounds; however, it has no intrinsic antimicrobial activity. Further, the formation of biofilms can limit the effectiveness of the pre-saturation of BC with antimicrobial agents. Here, to hinder biofilm formation by P. aeruginosa, we immobilized the hydrolytic domain of PelA (a glycohydrolase involved in the synthesis of biofilm polysaccharide Pel) on the surface of BC. The immobilization of 32.35 ±â€¯1.05 mg PelAh per g BC membrane resulted in an eight-fold higher P. aeruginosa cell detachment from BC membrane, indicating reduced biofilm matrix stability. Further, 1D and 2D infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated systematic reduction of polysaccharide biofilm elements, confirming the specificity of immobilized PelAh. Importantly, BC-PelAh was not cytotoxic towards L929 fibroblast cells. Thus, we conclude that PelAh can be used in BC wound dressings for safe and specific protection against biofilm formation by P. aeruginosa.

Whey Protein Concentrate/Isolate Biofunctional Films Modified with Melanin from Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Seeds.

Valorization of food industry waste and plant residues represents an attractive path towards obtaining biodegradable materials and achieving "zero waste" goals. Here, melanin was isolated from watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seeds and used as a modifier for whey protein concentrate and isolate films (WPC and WPI) at two concentrations (0.1% and 0.5%). The modification with melanin enhanced the ultraviolet (UV) blocking, water vapor barrier, swelling, and mechanical properties of the WPC/WPI films, in addition to affecting the apparent color. The modified WPC/WPI films also exhibited high antioxidant activity, but no cytotoxicity. Overall, the effects were melanin concentration-dependent. Thus, melanin from watermelon seeds can be used as a functional modifier to develop bioactive biopolymer films with good potential to be exploited in food packaging and biomedical applications.

Architectured helically coiled scaffolds from elastomeric poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) copolyester via wet electrospinning.

Electrospinning is one of the most investigated methods used to produce polymeric fiber scaffolds that mimic the morphology of native extracellular matrix. These structures have been extensively studied in the context of scaffolds for tissue regeneration. However, the compactness of materials obtained by traditional electrospinning, collected as two-dimensional non-woven scaffolds, can limit cell infiltration and tissue ingrowth. In addition, for applications in smooth muscle tissue engineering, highly elastic scaffolds capable of withstanding cyclic mechanical strains without suffering significant permanent deformations are preferred. In order to address these challenges, we report the fabrication of microscale 3D helically coiled scaffolds (referred as 3D-HCS) by wet-electrospinning method, a modification of the traditional electrospinning process in which a coagulation bath (non-solvent system for the electrospun material) is used as the collector. The present study, for the first time, successfully demonstrates the feasibility of using this method to produce various architectures of 3D helically coiled scaffolds (HCS) from segmented copolyester of poly (butylene succinate-co-dilinoleic succinate) (PBS-DLS), a thermoplastic elastomer. We examined the role of process parameters and propose a mechanism for the HCS formation. Fabricated 3D-HCS showed high specific surface area, high porosity, and good elasticity. Further, the marked increase in cell proliferation on 3D-HCS confirmed the suitability of these materials as scaffolds for soft tissue engineering.

NO and CO binding profiles of hemoglobin vesicles as artificial oxygen carriers.

Hemoglobin vesicles (HbVs) are artificial oxygen carriers encapsulating purified and concentrated Hb solution in phospholipid vesicles (liposomes). We examined in-vitro reaction profiles of a formulation of HbV with NO and CO in anaerobic and aerobic conditions using stopped-flow spectrophotometry and a NO electrode. Reaction rate constants of NO to deoxygenated and oxygenated HbV were considerably smaller than those of cell-free Hb because of the intracellular NO-diffusion barrier. The reaction of CO with deoxygenated HbV was slightly slower than that of cell-free Hb solely because of the co-encapsulated allosteric effector, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate. The NO depletion in an aerobic condition in the presence of empty vesicles was monitored using a NO electrode, showing that the hydrophobic bilayer membrane of HbV, which might have higher gas solubility, does not markedly facilitate the O(2) and NO reaction, and that the intracellular Hb is the major component of NO depletion. In conclusion, HbV shows retarded gas reactions, providing some useful information to explain the absence of vasoconstriction and hypertension when they are intravenously injected.

Local delivery of gene vectors from bare-metal stents by use of a biodegradable synthetic complex inhibits in-stent restenosis in rat carotid arteries.

BACKGROUND: Local drug delivery from polymer-coated stents has demonstrated efficacy for preventing in-stent restenosis; however, both the inflammatory effects of polymer coatings and concerns about late outcomes of drug-eluting stent use indicate the need to investigate innovative approaches, such as combining localized gene therapy with stent angioplasty. Thus, we investigated the hypothesis that adenoviral vectors (Ad) could be delivered from the bare-metal surfaces of stents with a synthetic complex for reversible vector binding. METHODS AND RESULTS: We synthesized the 3 components of a gene vector binding complex: (1) A polyallylamine bisphosphonate with latent thiol groups (PABT), (2) a polyethyleneimine (PEI) with pyridyldithio groups for amplification of attachment sites [PEI(PDT)], and (3) a bifunctional (amine- and thiol-reactive) cross-linker with a labile ester bond (HL). HL-modified Ad attached to PABT/PEI(PDT)-treated steel surfaces demonstrated both sustained release in vitro over 30 days and localized green fluorescent protein expression in rat arterial smooth muscle cell cultures, which were not sensitive to either inhibition by neutralizing anti-Ad antibodies or inactivation after storage at 37 degrees C. In rat carotid studies, deployment of steel stents configured with PABT/PEI(PDT)/HL-tethered adenoviral vectors demonstrated both site-specific arterial Ad(GFP) expression and adenovirus-luciferase transgene activity per optical imaging. Rat carotid stent delivery of adenovirus encoding inducible nitric oxide synthase resulted in significant inhibition of restenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Reversible immobilization of adenovirus vectors on the bare-metal surfaces of endovascular stents via a synthetic complex represents an efficient, tunable method for sustained release of gene vectors to the vasculature.

Bio-Based PBT-DLA Copolyester as an Alternative Compatibilizer of PP/PBT Blends.

The aim of this work was to assess whether synthesized random copolyester, poly(butylene terephthalate-r-butylene dilinoleate) (PBT-DLA), containing bio-based components, can effectively compatibilize polypropylene/poly(butylene terephthalate) (PP/PBT) blends. For comparison, a commercial petrochemical triblock copolymer, poly(styrene-b-ethylene/butylene-b-styrene) (SEBS) was used. The chemical structure and block distribution of PBT-DLA was determined using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography. PP/PBT blends with different mass ratios were prepared via twin-screw extrusion with 5 wt% of each compatibilizer. Thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis were used to assess changes in phase structure of PP/PBT blends. Static tensile testing demonstrated marked improvement in elongation at break, to ~18% and ~21% for PBT-DLA and SEBS, respectively. Importantly, the morphology of PP/PBT blends compatibilized with PBT-DLA copolymer showed that it is able to act as interphase modifier, being preferentially located at the interface. Therefore, we conclude that by using polycondensation and monomers from renewable resources, it is possible to obtain copolymers that efficiently modify blend miscibility, offering an alternative to widely used, rubber-like petrochemical styrene compatibilizers.

Biofunctional catheter coatings based on chitosan-fatty acids derivatives.

Multifunctional and biofunctional coatings for medical devices are an attractive strategy towards tailoring the interactions of the device with the body, thereby influencing the host response, and the susceptibility to microbial colonization. Here we describe the development of a coating process to yield amphiphilic, lubricious coatings, resistant to bacterial colonization, based on chitosan. Chitosan-fatty acid derivatives were obtained by simultaneous N,O-acylation of chitosan with either linoleic, α-linolenic, or dilinoleic acid. Chemical characterization of new materials was carried out using 1H NMR, FTIR, and XPS. Surface properties of coated polyester samples were studied using SEM and contact angle measurements, which indicated that the incorporation of hydrophobic constituents into chitosan macromolecules led to a decrease of both surface roughness and water contact angle. Importantly, tribological testing demonstrated that these new coatings decrease the coefficient of friction due to the self-organization of fatty acid (from 0.53 for the neat chitosan to 0.35 for chitosan-fatty acid derivative). Meanwhile, preliminary bacterial colonization tests indicated significant-over 80%-reduction in E. coli colonization following coating with chitosan-linoleic and chitosan-α-linolenic derivatives. Finally, cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility studies confirmed that all amphiphilic chitosan-fatty acid derivatives were non-toxic and non-hemolytic. Collectively, our results demonstrate the potential of the developed coating strategy, particularly the chitosan-linoleic and chitosan-α-linolenic acid derivatives, for applications as biofunctional catheter coatings.