Custom-design of triblock protein as versatile antibacterial and biocompatible coating

A novel triblock protein that integrates zwitterionic peptide, mussel adhesive peptide and silver-binding peptide is designed to fabricate antibacterial and biocompatible coating. The protein can modify various substrates and display antifouling and bactericidal properties simultaneously, efficiently thwarting biofilm formation. It can also resist foreign body response after implantation in vivo , paving an avenue to fabricate antibacterial coatings for biomedical applications. • A novel triblock protein was synthesized and prepared as a multifunctional coating. • The protein coating is versatile and can adhere to a variety of substrates. • The protein coating has antifouling, bactericidal, and anti-biofilm functions. • The coating can protect implants from infections and resist foreign body response. With the ever-increasing threats caused by implant-associated infection, advanced methods for preventing bacterial adhesion and inhibiting biofilm formation are of great interest. Herein, a triblock protein (MZAgP) combining zwitterionic peptide, mussel adhesive peptide and silver-binding peptide is rationally designed. MZAgP can be readily attached to various substrates to generate an antibacterial coating. This coating displays multiple functions with favorable inhibition of bacteria growth, significant reduction of bacteria and proteins adhesion, and efficient prevention of biofilms formation. In vivo tests further demonstrate the coating can conspicuously restrain bacterial infections and alleviate foreign body response, displaying excellent biocompatibility. This study unveils the promise of MZAgP as multifunctional protein material to fabricate novel antibacterial coating to overcome implant-associated infection.