Azobenzene polymer network, and uses thereof for biofilm removal and control over cell attachment

US11540909B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of Colorado, a Body Corporate · US

Inventors

• Devatha P. Nair · Denver, US
• Robert Mcleod · Fair Play, US
• Sean Shaheen · Cave Creek, US
• Gannon Kehe · Denver, US
• Michael Schurr · Aurora, US
• Ram H. Nagaraj · Aurora, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 21, 2018
• Grant date: Jan 3, 2023
• Expiry date: Nov 17, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C08J2433/14
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Disclosed methods include formulating azobenzene-based polymer networks to induce a modulus change in a highly crosslinked polymer, in vivo, with no external heat requirement and using a benign light as the source of stimuli. A modulus change can be achieved via a coating on the substrate and within the bulk of the substrate via photoexposure. The azobenzene-based polymer network can be formed as a coating or in the bulk of a material from either a glassy composition comprising methyl methacrylate (MMA), poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) or a soft material comprising of long-chain difunctional acrylates. The disclosed technology also includes methods of biofilm disruption and removal from the surface of a substrate, and includes methods of inhibiting biofilm growth and cell attachment to a substrate.