News Production & Lab
Amino acid-enabled EPD improves polymer and composite film deposition
A novel method using L-arginine instead of inorganic alkalis significantly enhances the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of poly(acrylic acid), drug-loaded polymers, and organic-inorganic composites.
Researchers have developed a new amino acid-assisted approach to electrophoretic deposition (EPD) that enables efficient fabrication of polymer and composite coatings. In a study published in Progress in Organic Coatings (Volume 200, March 2025), L-arginine (LARG) was used as a biocompatible alternative to conventional inorganic alkalis for solubilising poly(acrylic acid) (PAH), ibuprofen (IBUH), and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) for deposition.
This method enables thick, smooth, crack-free coatings of both PAH and PAH-based composite films, including PAH-IBUH and PAH-TiO₂ systems. LARG not only improves film adhesion—achieving a 5B classification under ASTM D3359–17—but also enhances deposition rates. For example, the ibuprofen loading rate reached 0.85 µg cm⁻² s⁻¹ at the start of the EPD process. These results suggest significant potential for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.
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Organic–inorganic hybrid coatings from stabilised suspensions
In addition to drug-polymer composites, the researchers explored the hydrothermal synthesis of TiO₂ nanoparticles using LARG. The resulting suspensions enabled uniform deposition of organic-inorganic composite films with promising structural and mechanical properties. The success of this technique opens new avenues for the EPD of complex functional coatings based on sustainable and non-toxic ingredients.
The study provides a foundation for exploring other amino acids or bio-based molecules as functional processing agents in EPD, particularly where biocompatibility or environmental safety is critical.
Source: Sikkema, R. & Zhitomirsky, I. Amino acid aided electrophoretic deposition of poly(acrylic acid) polymer and composites, Progress in Organic Coatings, Volume 200, March 2025, 108993.
