Work data for: "A Peptide–Polymer Blend with Improved Mechanical Stability as a New Class of Antifouling Biomaterials"

Electrospun peptides can introduce bioactive functionality into nanofibrous scaffolds, but their low molecular weight and limited chain entanglement often result in mechanically fragile fibers. To address this, a single antifouling peptide, DOPA–Phe(4F)–Phe(4F)–OMe, was incorporated into a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) matrix. This blending approach produces electrospun fibers that maintain structural integrity while combining TPU’s elasticity and processability with the peptide’s bioactive properties.
The TPU–DOPA–Phe(4F)–Phe(4F)–OMe scaffolds were characterized to confirm peptide incorporation and evaluate structural and functional performance. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) verified physical incorporation of the peptide through non-covalent interactions without chemical modification of TPU. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed uniform, aligned fibers with reduced diameter, while mechanical testing demonstrated a significant increase in tensile strength and stiffness, reaching values comparable to native soft tissue. Biological evaluations showed strong non-biocidal antifouling activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus aureus, and fibroblast studies confirmed excellent cytocompatibility with enhanced cell alignment along the fibres. These findings establish blend as a new class of peptide–polymer hybrid biomaterials with enhanced mechanical robustness and antifouling properties, providing a sustainable platform for regenerative and implantable applications.