Surfaces modified with covalently-immobilized adhesive peptides affect fibroblast population motility

Artificial extracellular matrix scaffolds of mobile molecules enhance maturation of human stem cell-derived neurons

Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technologies offer a unique resource for modeling neurological diseases. However, iPSC models are fraught with technical limitations including abnormal aggregation and inefficient maturation of differentiated neurons. These problems are in part due to the absence of synergistic cues of the native extracellular matrix (ECM). We report on the use of three artificial ECMs based on peptide amphiphile (PA) supramolecular nanofibers. All nanofibers display the laminin-derived IKVAV signal on their surface but differ in the nature of their non-bioactive domains. We find that nanofibers with greater intensity of internal supramolecular motion have enhanced bioactivity toward hiPSC-derived motor and cortical neurons. Proteomic, biochemical, and functional assays reveal that highly mobile PA scaffolds caused enhanced β1-integrin pathway activation, reduced aggregation, increased arborization, and matured electrophysiological activity of neurons. Our work highlights the importance of designing biomimetic ECMs to study the development, function, and dysfunction of human neurons.

Bioactive scaffolds with enhanced supramolecular motion promote recovery from spinal cord injury

[Figure: see text].

The Frequent Sampling of Wound Scratch Assay Reveals the "Opportunity" Window for Quantitative Evaluation of Cell Motility-Impeding Drugs

Wound healing assay performed with automated microscopy is widely used in drug testing, cancer cell analysis, and similar approaches. It is easy to perform, and the results are reproducible. However, it is usually used as a semi-quantitative approach because of inefficient image segmentation in transmitted light microscopy. Recently, several algorithms for wound healing quantification were suggested, but none of them was tested on a large dataset. In the current study, we develop a pipeline allowing to achieve correct segmentation of the wound edges in >95% of pictures and extended statistical data processing to eliminate errors of cell culture artifacts. Using this tool, we collected data on wound healing dynamics of 10 cell lines with 10 min time resolution. We determine that the overall kinetics of wound healing is non-linear; however, all cell lines demonstrate linear wound closure dynamics in a 6-h window between the fifth and 12th hours after scratching. We next analyzed microtubule-inhibiting drugs’, nocodazole, vinorelbine, and Taxol, action on the kinetics of wound healing in the drug concentration-dependent way. Within this time window, the measurements of velocity of the cell edge allow the detection of statistically significant data when changes did not exceed 10–15%. All cell lines show decrease in the wound healing velocity at millimolar concentrations of microtubule inhibitors. However, dose-dependent response was cell line specific and drug specific. Cell motility was completely inhibited (edge velocity decreased 100%), while in others, it decreased only slightly (not more than 50%). Nanomolar doses (10–100 nM) of microtubule inhibitors in some cases even elevated cell motility. We speculate that anti-microtubule drugs might have specific effects on cell motility not related to the inhibition of the dynamic instability of microtubules.

3D bioprinting of heterogeneous bi- and tri-layered hollow channels within gel scaffolds using scalable multi-axial microfluidic extrusion nozzle

One of the primary focuses in recent years in tissue engineering has been the fabrication and integration of vascular structures into artificial tissue constructs. However, most available methodologies lack the ability to create multi-layered concentric conduits inside natural extracellular matrices (ECMs) and gels that replicate more accurately the hierarchical architecture of biological blood vessels. In this work, we present a new microfluidic nozzle design capable of multi-axial extrusion in order to 3D print and pattern bi- and tri-layered hollow channel structures. This nozzle allows, for the first time, for these structures to be embedded within layers of gels and ECMs in a fast, simple and low-cost manner. By varying flow rates (1-6 ml min^-1), printspeeds (1-16 m min^-1), and material concentration (25-175 mM and 1.5%-2.5% for calcium chloride and alginate, respectively) we are able to accurately determine the operational printing range as well as achieve a wide range of conduit dimensions (0.69-2.31 mm) that can be printed within a few seconds. Our scalable design allows for multi-axial extrusion and versatility in material incorporation in order to create heterogeneous structures. We demonstrate the ability to print distinct concentric layers of different cell types, namely endothelial cells and fibroblasts. By incorporating various layers of different cell-friendly materials (such as collagen and fibrin) alongside materials with high mechanical strength (i.e. alginate), we were able to increase long-term cell viability and growth without compromising the structural integrity. In this way, we can improve cellular adhesion in our biocompatible constructs as well as allow them to remain structurally sound. We are able to realize complex heterogeneous, hierarchical architectures that have strong potential for use not only in vascular tissue applications, but also in other artificially fabricated tubular or fiber-like structures such as skeletal muscle or nerve conduits.

Supramolecular Nanostructure Activates TrkB Receptor Signaling of Neuronal Cells by Mimicking Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin that binds specifically to the tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) receptor, has been shown to promote neuronal differentiation, maturation, and synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system (CNS) during development or after injury and onset of disease. Unfortunately, native BDNF protein-based therapies have had little clinical success due to their suboptimal pharmacological properties. In the past 20 years, BDNF mimetic peptides have been designed with the purpose of activating certain cell pathways that mimic the functional activity of native BDNF, but the interaction of mimetic peptides with cells can be limited due to the conformational specificity required for receptor activation. We report here on the incorporation of a BDNF mimetic sequence into a supramolecular peptide amphiphile filamentous nanostructure capable of activating the BDNF receptor TrkB and downstream signaling in primary cortical neurons in vitro. Interestingly, we found that this BDNF mimetic peptide is only active when displayed on a peptide amphiphile supramolecular nanostructure. We confirmed that increased neuronal maturation is linked to TrkB signaling pathways by analyzing the phosphorylation of downstream signaling effectors and tracking electrical activity over time. Furthermore, three-dimensional gels containing the BDNF peptide amphiphile (PA) nanostructures encourage cell infiltration while increasing functional maturation. Our findings suggest that the BDNF mimetic PA nanostructure creates a highly bioactive matrix that could serve as a biomaterial therapy in injured regions of the CNS. This new strategy has the potential to induce endogenous cell infiltration and promote functional neuronal maturation through the presentation of the BDNF mimetic signal.

Peptide modification of polyimide-insulated microwires: Towards improved biocompatibility through reduced glial scarring

The goal of this study is to improve the integration of implanted microdevices with tissue in the central nervous system (CNS). The long-term utility of neuroprosthetic devices implanted in the CNS is affected by the formation of a scar by resident glial cells (astrocytes and microglia), limiting the viability and functional stability of the devices. Reduction in the proliferation of glial cells is expected to enhance the biocompatibility of devices. We demonstrate the modification of polyimide-insulated microelectrodes with a bioactive peptide KHIFSDDSSE. Microelectrode wires were functionalized with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxy silane (APTES); the peptide was then covalently bonded to the APTES. The soluble peptide was tested in 2D mixed cultures of astrocytes and microglia, and reduced the proliferation of both cell types. The interactions of glial cells with the peptide-modified wires was then examined in 3D cell-laden hydrogels by immunofluorescence microscopy. As expected for uncoated wires, the microglia were first attracted to the wire (7days) followed by astrocyte recruitment and hypertrophy (14days). For the peptide-treated wires, astrocytes coated the wires directly (24h), and formed a thin, stable coating without evidence of hypertrophy, and the attraction of microglia to the wire was significantly reduced. The results suggest a mechanism to improve tissue integration by promoting uniform coating of astrocytes on a foreign body while lessening the reactive response of microglia. We conclude that the bioactive peptide KHIFSDDSSE may be effective in improving the biocompatibility of neural interfaces by both reducing acute glial reactivity and generating stable integration with tissue.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The peptide KHIFSDDSSE has previously been shown in vitro to both reduce the proliferation of astrocytes, and to increase the adhesion of astrocyte to glass substrates. Here, we demonstrate a method to apply uniform coatings of peptides to microwires, which could readily be generalized to other peptides and surfaces. We then show that when peptide-modified wires are inserted into 3D cell-laden hydrogels, the normal cellular reaction (microglial activation followed by astrocyte recruitment and hypertrophy) does not occur, rather astrocytes are attracted directly to the surface of the wire, forming a relatively thin and uniform coating. This suggests a method to improve tissue integration of implanted devices to reduce glial scarring and ultimately reduce failure of neural interfaces.

Manipulation of cell adhesion and dynamics using RGD functionalized polymers

An ABA tri-block co-polymer with RGD peptide sequences inserted were synthesized. Cell adhesion can be controlled by polymer configuration changing via electrical field.

Current challenges to the clinical translation of brain machine interface technology

Development of neural prostheses over the past few decades has produced a number of clinically relevant brain-machine interfaces (BMIs), such as the cochlear prostheses and deep brain stimulators. Current research pursues the restoration of communication or motor function to individuals with neurological disorders. Efforts in the field, such as the BrainGate trials, have already demonstrated that such interfaces can enable humans to effectively control external devices with neural signals. However, a number of significant issues regarding BMI performance, device capabilities, and surgery must be resolved before clinical use of BMI technology can become widespread. This chapter reviews challenges to clinical translation and discusses potential solutions that have been reported in recent literature, with focuses on hardware reliability, state-of-the-art decoding algorithms, and surgical considerations during implantation.

Biomimetic approaches to modulate cellular adhesion in biomaterials: A review

Natural extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins possess critical biological characteristics that provide a platform for cellular adhesion and activation of highly regulated signaling pathways. However, ECM-based biomaterials can have several limitations, including poor mechanical properties and risk of immunogenicity. Synthetic biomaterials alleviate the risks associated with natural biomaterials but often lack the robust biological activity necessary to direct cell function beyond initial adhesion. A thorough understanding of receptor-mediated cellular adhesion to the ECM and subsequent signaling activation has facilitated development of techniques that functionalize inert biomaterials to provide a biologically active surface. Here we review a range of approaches used to modify biomaterial surfaces for optimal receptor-mediated cell interactions, as well as provide insights into specific mechanisms of downstream signaling activation. In addition to a brief overview of integrin receptor-mediated cell function, so-called "biomimetic" techniques reviewed here include (i) surface modification of biomaterials with bioadhesive ECM macromolecules or specific binding motifs, (ii) nanoscale patterning of the materials and (iii) the use of "natural-like" biomaterials.

Synthesis, copolymerization and peptide-modification of carboxylic acid-functionalized 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOTacid) for neural electrode interfaces

BACKGROUND

Conjugated polymers have been developed as effective materials for interfacing prosthetic device electrodes with neural tissue. Recent focus has been on the development of conjugated polymers that contain biological components in order to improve the tissue response upon implantation of these electrodes.

METHODS

Carboxylic acid-functionalized 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOTacid) monomer was synthesized in order to covalently bind peptides to the surface of conjugated polymer films. EDOTacid was copolymerized with EDOT monomer to form stable, electrically conductive copolymer films referred to as PEDOT-PEDOTacid. The peptide GGGGRGDS was bound to PEDOT-PEDOTacid to create peptide functionalized PEDOT films.

RESULTS

The PEDOT-PEDOTacid-peptide films increased the adhesion of primary rat motor neurons between 3 and 9 times higher than controls, thus demonstrating that the peptide maintained its biological activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The EDOT-acid monomer can be used to create functionalized PEDOT-PEDOTacid copolymer films that can have controlled bioactivity.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

PEDOT-PEDOTacid-peptide films have the potential to control the behavior of neurons and vastly improve the performance of implanted electrodes. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Organic Bioelectronics-Novel Applications in Biomedicine.

Electrospun PGA/gelatin nanofibrous scaffolds and their potential application in vascular tissue engineering

BACKGROUND AND METHODS

In this study, gelatin was blended with polyglycolic acid (PGA) at different ratios (0, 10, 30, and 50 wt%) and electrospun. The morphology and structure of the scaffolds were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. The mechanical properties were also measured by the tensile test. Furthermore, for biocompatibility assessment, human umbilical vein endothelial cells and human umbilical artery smooth muscle cells were cultured on these scaffolds, and cell attachment and viability were evaluated.

RESULTS

PGA with 10 wt% gelatin enhanced the endothelial cells whilst PGA with 30 wt% gelatin increased smooth muscle cell adhesion, penetration, and viability compared with the other scaffold blends. Additionally, with the increase in gelatin content, the mechanical properties of the scaffolds were improved due to interaction between PGA and gelatin, as revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry.

CONCLUSION

Incorporation of gelatin improves the biological and mechanical properties of PGA, making promising scaffolds for vascular tissue engineering.

Quantitative grafting of peptide onto the nontoxic biodegradable waterborne polyurethanes to fabricate peptide modified scaffold for soft tissue engineering

Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro (GRGDSP) peptide has frequently been used in the biomedical materials to enhance adhesion and proliferation of cells. In this work, we modified the nontoxic biodegradable waterborne polyurethanes (WBPU) with GRGDSP peptide and fabricated 3-D porous scaffold with the modified WBPU to investigate the effect of the immobilized GRGDSP peptide on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) adhesion and proliferation. A facile and reliable approach was first developed to quantitative grafting of GRGDSP onto the WBPU molecular backbone using ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EX810) as a connector. Then 3-D porous WBPU scaffolds with various GRGDSP content were fabricated by freeze-drying the emulsion. In both of the HUVECs adhesion and proliferation tests, enhanced cell performance was observed on the GRGDSP grafted scaffolds compared with the unmodified scaffolds and the tissue culture plate (TCP). The adhesion rate and proliferation rate increased with the increase of GRGDSP content in the scaffold and reached a maximum with peptide concentration of 0.85 μmol/g based on the weight of the polyurethanes. These results illustrate the necessity of the effective control of the GRGDSP content in the modified WBPU and support the potential utility of these 3-D porous modified WBPU scaffolds in the soft tissue engineering to guide cell adhesion, proliferation and tissue regeneration.

Surface Immobilization of Synthetic Proteins Via Plasma Polymer Interlayers

Coatings of biologically active molecules on synthetic ”bulk“materials are of much interest for biomedical applications since they can in principle elicit specific, predictable. controlled responses of the host environment to an implanted device. However, issues such as shelf life. storage conditions, biological safety, and enzymatic attack in the biological environment must be considered; synthetic proteins may offer advantages. In this study we investigated the covalent immobilization onto polymeric materials of synthetic proteins which possess some properties that mimic those of the natural protein collagen, particularly the ability to form triple helical structures, and thus may provide similar bio-responses while avoiding enzymatic degradation. In order to perform immobilization of these collagen-like molecules (CLMs) under mild reaction conditions, the bulk materials are first equipped with suitable surface groups using rf plasma methods. Plasma polymer interlayers offer advantages as versatile reactive platforms for the immobilization of proteins and other biologically active molecules. Application of a thin plasma polymer coating from an aldehyde monomer is particularly suitable as it enables direct immobilization of CLMs by reaction with their terminal amine groups, using reductive amination chemistry. An alternative route is via plasma polymer layers that contain carboxylic acid groups and using carbodiimnide chemistry. A third route makes use of alkylamme plasma polymer interlayers, which are less process sensitive than aldehyde and acid plasma coatings. A layer of poly-carboxylic acid compounds such as carboxylic acid terminated PAMAM-starburst dendrimers or carboxymethylated dextran is then attached by carbodiimide chemistry onto the amine plasma layer. Amine-terminated CLMs can then be immobilized onto the poly-carboxylic acid layer. Surface analytical methods have been used to characterize the immobilization steps and to assess the surface coverage. Initial cell attachment and growth assays indicate that the biological performance of the CLMs depends on their amino acid sequence.

Adhesion and proliferation of human fibroblasts on sol-gel coated titania

The objective of this study was to evaluate growth and attachment of human gingival fibroblasts on nonresorbable sol-gel-derived nanoporous titania (TiO2) coated discs and noncoated commercially pure titania (cpTi) discs in vitro. The strength of attachment was evaluated using serial trypsinization. The number of cells detached from TiO2-substrates was 30% +/- 3%, whereas those detached from the cpTi was 58% +/- 4% indicating a stronger cell attachment on the coated surfaces. In scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images fewer cells, with more rounded shape, were seen with cpTi than with TiO2 after the detachment assay. Fibroblasts grew more efficiently on TiO2 than on cpTi substrates, showing significantly higher cell activities at all times. In transmission electron microscopy (TEM), a continuous layer of two to three cells thick covered the coated and noncoated discs after 7 days of culture. The plasma membrane of cells in contact with the coating was in close opposition and the cytoplasm was ultrastructurally similar to the cells grown on noncoated discs with well-preserved organelles. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the sol-gel-derived TiO2 coatings can facilitate cell growth and attachment of human gingival fibroblasts on titanium in vitro. This in vitro study is in line with our previous in vivo observations of improved soft tissue attachment of TiO2 coatings in comparison with cpTi.

Adhesion based detection, sorting and enrichment of cells in microfluidic Lab-on-Chip devices

The detection, isolation and sorting of cells are important tools in both clinical diagnostics and fundamental research. Advances in microfluidic cell sorting devices have enabled scientists to attain improved separation with comparative ease and considerable time savings. Despite the great potential of Lab-on-Chip cell sorting devices for targeting cells with desired specificity and selectivity, this field of research remains unexploited. The challenge resides in the detection techniques which has to be specific, fast, cost-effective, and implementable within the fabrication limitations of microchips. Adhesion-based microfluidic devices seem to be a reliable solution compared to the sophisticated detection techniques used in other microfluidic cell sorting systems. It provides the specificity in detection, label-free separation without requirement for a preprocessing step, and the possibility of targeting rare cell types. This review elaborates on recent advances in adhesion-based microfluidic devices for sorting, detection and enrichment of different cell lines, with a particular focus on selective adhesion of desired cells on surfaces modified with ligands specific to target cells. The effect of shear stress on cell adhesion in flow conditions is also discussed. Recently published applications of specific adhesive ligands and surface functionalization methods have been presented to further elucidate the advances in cell adhesive microfluidic devices.

Biomimeticity in tissue engineering scaffolds through synthetic peptide modifications-altering chemistry for enhanced biological response

Biomimetic and bioactive biomaterials are desirable as tissue engineering scaffolds by virtue of their capability to mimic natural environments of the extracellular matrix. Biomimeticity has been achieved by the incorporation of synthetic short peptide sequences into suitable materials either by surface modification or by bulk incorporation. Research in this area has identified several novel synthetic peptide segments, some of them with cell-specific interactions, which may serve as potential candidates for use in explicit tissue applications. This review focuses on the developments and prospective directions of incorporating short synthetic peptide sequences onto scaffolds for tissue engineering, with emphasis on the chemistry of peptide immobilization and subsequent cell responses toward modified scaffolds. The article provides a decision-tree-type flow chart indicating the most probable cellular events on a given peptide-modified scaffold along with the consolidated list of synthetic peptide sequences, supports as well as cell types used in various tissue engineering studies, and aims to serve as a quick reference guide to peptide chemists and material scientists interested in the field.

Tailored laminin-332 alpha3 sequence is tethered through an enzymatic linker to a collagen scaffold to promote cellular adhesion

Surface modification techniques have been used to develop biomimetic scaffolds by incorporating cell adhesion peptides, which facilitates cell adhesion, migration and proliferation. In this study, we evaluated the cell adhesion properties of a tailored laminin-332 alpha3 chain tethered to a type I collagen scaffold using microbial transglutaminase (mTGase) by incorporating transglutaminase substrate peptide sequences containing either glutamine (peptide A: PPFLMLLKGSTREAQQIVM) or lysine (peptide B: PPFLMLLKGSTRKKKKG). The degree of cross-linking was studied by amino acid analysis following proteolytic digestion and the structural changes in the modified scaffold further investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. Fibroblasts were used to evaluate the cellular behaviour of the functionalized collagen scaffold. mTGase supports cell growth but tethering of peptide A and peptide B to the mTGase cross-linked collagen scaffold caused a significant increase in cell proliferation when compared with native and mTGase cross-linked collagen scaffolds. Both peptides enabled cell-spreading, attachment and normal actin cytoskeleton organization with slight increase in the cell proliferation was observed in peptide A when compared with the peptide B and mTGase cross-linked scaffold. An increase in the amount of epsilon(gamma-glutamyl) lysine isopeptide was observed in peptide A conjugated scaffolds when compared with peptide B conjugated scaffolds, mTGase cross-linked scaffold without peptide. Changes in D-spacing were observed in the cross-linked scaffolds with tethered peptides. These results demonstrate that mTGase can play a bifunctional role in both conjugation of the glutamine and lysine containing peptide sequences and also in the cross-linking of the collagen scaffold, thus providing a suitable substrate for cell growth.

Immobilized cytokines as biomaterials for manufacturing immune cell based vaccines

Manufacturing of bioactive cell culture substrates represents a major challenge for the development of cell therapy for tissue repair and immune treatment of cancers, infectious diseases, or immunodeficiencies. In this context, we evaluated the capacity of several differentiation factors, including Granulocyte Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) and Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (M-CSF), to drive differentiation of primary cell cultures, once immobilized on surfaces. We show that covalently immobilized signal factors fully retain their biological properties and efficiently promote differentiation of mouse and/or human precursor cells leading to the production of dendritic cells and macrophages. For GM-CSF, we also show that the efficiency of receptor signaling is comparable using either soluble or tethered molecules. Such artificial bioactive interfaces are suitable for the development and automated production of cell-based vaccines and therapies.

Isothiocyanate-functionalized RGD peptides for tailoring cell-adhesive surface patterns

With the advances made in surface patterning by micro- and nanotechnology, alternative methods to immobilize biomolecules for different purposes are highly desired. RGD peptides are commonly used to create cell-attractive surfaces for cell-biological and also medical applications. We have developed a fast, one-step method to bind RGD peptides covalently to surfaces by thiourea formation, which can be applied to structured and unstructured materials. RGD peptides were fused to an isothiocyanate anchor during synthesis and directly immobilized on amino-terminated surfaces. The spreading behavior of fibroblasts and the formation of focal contacts served to prove the applicability of the coupling method. Two different linear peptides and one cyclic peptide were compared. All the peptides induced spreading behavior and the formation of focal contacts in murine fibroblasts. Adhesion was specific as cells neither recognized the corresponding negative control peptides nor spread in the presence of soluble H-RGDS-OH peptide. We successfully applied our coupling method to functionalize surface patterns created by microcontact printing (microCP) and chemical etching. Cells recognize areas selectively coated with RGD-containing peptides, proliferate and maintain this preference during long-term cultivation. Our method significantly facilitates surface modification with any kind of peptide - even for the preparation of peptide-functionalized small surface areas.

Microfluidic depletion of endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts from heterogeneous suspensions

Interactions between ligands and cell surface receptors can be exploited to design adhesion-based microfluidic cell separation systems. When ligands are immobilized on the microfluidic channel surfaces, the resulting cell capture devices offer the typical advantages of small sample volumes and low cost associated with microfluidic systems, with the added benefit of not requiring complex fabrication schemes or extensive operational infrastructure. Cell-ligand interactions can range from highly specific to highly non-specific. This paper describes the design of an adhesion-based microfluidic separation system that takes advantage of both types of interactions. A 3-stage system of microfluidic devices coated with the tetrapeptides arg-glu-asp-val (REDV), val-ala-pro-gly (VAPG), and arg-gly-asp-ser (RGDS) is utilized to deplete a heterogeneous suspension containing endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts. The ligand-coated channels together with a large surface area allow effective depletion of all three cell types in a stagewise manner.

Fabrication of nanostructured hydroxyapatite and analysis of human osteoblastic cellular response

Nano-sized hydroxyapatite (HA) powders were produced by a hydrothermal method and a precipitation method. Spark plasma sintering (SPS) was used to fabricate nanostructured HA (NHA) using nano-sized HA powders as a precursor. Conventional sintering was employed to produce microstructured HA (MHA). Characteristics of HA powders and HA bulk ceramics after sintering were investigated by XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, particle size distribution, and AFM. Dense compacts consisting of equiaxed grains with an average grain size of approximately 100 nm were obtained by SPS. Human osteoblasts were cultured on both NHA and MHA and cell attachment, proliferation, and mineralization were evaluated. After 90 min incubation, the cell density on NHA surface was significantly higher than that of MHA and glass control, whereas average cell area of a spread cell was significantly lower on NHA surface compared to MHA and glass control after 4 h incubation. Matrix mineralization was determined after 7 and 14 days incubation by using alizarin red assay combined with cetylpyridinium chloride extraction. NHA shows significant enhancement (p < 0.05) in mineralization compared to MHA. Results from this study suggest that NHA may be a much better candidate for clinical use in terms of bioactivity.

Polymer carriers for drug delivery in tissue engineering

Growing demand for tissues and organs for transplantation and the inability to meet this need using by autogeneic (from the host) or allogeneic (from the same species) sources has led to the rapid development of tissue engineering as an alternative. Tissue engineering aims to replace or facilitate the regrowth of damaged or diseased tissue by applying a combination of biomaterials, cells and bioactive molecules. This review focuses on synthetic polymers that have been used for tissue growth scaffold fabrication and their applications in both cell and extracellular matrix support and controlling the release of cell growth and differentiation supporting drugs.

Receptor-ligand-based specific cell adhesion on solid surfaces: hippocampal neuronal cells on bilinker functionalized glass

Cell adhesion through binding between specific cell membrane receptors and corresponding cell-adhesion-molecule (CAM)-coated solid surfaces is examined. The morphology of surfaces at various modification steps leading to functionalization with cell-binding CAMs is characterized. In one week neuron cultures, enhanced growth on surfaces modified with neuron-binding versus astrocyte-binding CAMs is observed. However, nonspecific adhesion on a poly-D-lysine-coated positive control surface is found to be even higher. Potential reasons and further studies needed are discussed.

The adhesive properties of endothelial cells on endovascular stent coated by substrates of poly-l-lysine and fibronectin

Optimizing endothelial cell growth and adhesion on the surface of metallic stents implanted in the vascular system is a fundamental issue in understanding and improving their long-term biocompatibility. The ability of the endothelial cell to attach and adhere to the luminal stent surface as well as the capacity to withstand the significant shear stress associated with blood flow are important determinants. The adhesive characteristics of human umbilical vein endothelial cellsectin (HUVEC) on stent surfaces coated with either Poly-L-Lysine (PLL) or fibron (FN) were compared with uncoated controls. Increasing concentrations of PLL and FN were measured using a micropipette aspiration system. The adhesivenamic properties of HUVECs under static flow conditions were compared to a dy environment on endovascular stents using a parallel-plate-flow chamber. A scanning electron microscope picture was used to measure the number and the adhesive cell ratio as well as the percentage of surface coverage of stent by endothelial cells. The adhesive forces of HUVECs on foreign surfaces coated with PLL and FN were higher compared to uncoated surfaces, and were dependent on incr ing concentrations. These coatings resulted in significant increase of the adhesive force of HUVECs. The influence of substrates on the adhesion of the endothelial cell monolayer under static or dynamic flow conditions was highly significant compared with controls (p<0.01). No significant differences were observed between PLL and FN substrates. Both PLL and FN coated surfaces can significantly increase the adhesion and growth of HUVECs on metallic stent surfaces.

Fabrication of Antibody Arrays Using Thermally Responsive Elastin Fusion Proteins

A general method has been developed to immobilize antibodies onto an array surface by employing fusion proteins consisting of an elastin domain with tunable hydrophobic properties and an antibody-binding domain with high binding affinity and specificity for antibodies. Antibodies conjugated with the elastin fusion proteins can be directly printed on a self-assembled monolayer-modified glass slide in a functionally active orientation with a spatially defined pattern. An antibody array sensor for detection of tumor markers was fabricated to demonstrate the utility of the method. We expect that the method presented here could be a simple and universal platform to immobilize antibodies for the fabrication of a variety of antibody array sensors.

Comparison between RGD-peptide-modified titanium and borosilicate surfaces

The use of synthetic peptides containing adhesive sequences, such as the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif, represents a promising strategy to control biological interactions at the cell-material interface. These peptides are known to improve the tissue-material contact owing to highly specific binding to cellular membrane receptors known as integrins, thereby promoting the adhesion, migration and proliferation of cells. The peptides were coupled to borosilicate glass and titanium surfaces using silanisation chemistry. A tryptophan residue was incorporated into the amino acid sequences of selected peptides to facilitate the detection of the covalently bound peptides. Successful peptide immobilisation was proven by fluorimetric measurements. The confocal imaging analysis suggests a homogeneous distribution of the immobilised peptide across the biomaterial surface. In vitro cell proliferation assays were employed to compare the adhesion potentials of the well-known RGD-containing peptides GRGDSP, GRADSP and RGDS to the three peptides designed by our group. The results demonstrate that the RGD sequence is not necessarily required to enhance the adhesion of cells to non-biological surfaces. Moreover, it is shown that the number of adhering cells can be increased by changes in the peptide hydrophobicity. Changes in the cytoskeleton are observed depending on the type of RGD-peptide modification.

Response of primary fibroblasts and osteoblasts to plasma treated polyetheretherketone (PEEK) surfaces

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a synthetic polymer with suitable biomechanical and stable chemical properties, which make it attractive for use as an endoprothetic material and for ligamentous replacement. However, chemical surface inertness does not account for a good interfacial biocompatibility, and PEEK requires a surface modification prior to its application in vivo. In the course of this experimental study we analyzed the influence of plasma treatment of PEEK surfaces on the cell proliferation and differentiation of primary fibroblasts and osteoblasts. Further we examined the possibility of inducing microstructured cell growth on a surface with plasma-induced chemical micropatterning. We were able to demonstrate that the surface treatment of PEEK with a low-temperature plasma has significant effects on the proliferation of fibroblasts. Depending on the surface treatment, the proliferation rate can either be stimulated or suppressed. The behavior of the osteoblasts was examined by evaluating differentiation parameters. By detection of alkaline phosphatase, collagen I, and mineralized extracellular matrix as parameters for osteoblastic differentiation, the examined materials showed results comparable to commercially available polymer cell culture materials such as tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS). Further microstructured cell growth was produced successfully on micropatterned PEEK foils, which could be a future tool for bioartificial systems applying the methods of tissue engineering. These results show that chemically inert materials such as PEEK may be modified specifically through the methods of plasma technology in order to improve biocompatibility.

Mediation of biomaterial-cell interactions by adsorbed proteins: a review

An appropriate cellular response to implanted surfaces is essential for tissue regeneration and integration. It is well described that implanted materials are immediately coated with proteins from blood and interstitial fluids, and it is through this adsorbed layer that cells sense foreign surfaces. Hence, it is the adsorbed proteins, rather than the surface itself, to which cells initially respond. Diverse studies using a range of materials have demonstrated the pivotal role of extracellular adhesion proteins--fibronectin and vitronectin in particular--in cell adhesion, morphology, and migration. These events underlie the subsequent responses required for tissue repair, with the nature of cell surface interactions contributing to survival, growth, and differentiation. The pattern in which adhesion proteins and other bioactive molecules adsorb thus elicits cellular reactions specific to the underlying physicochemical properties of the material. Accordingly, in vitro studies generally demonstrate favorable cell responses to charged, hydrophilic surfaces, corresponding to superior adsorption and bioactivity of adhesion proteins. This review illustrates the mediation of cell responses to biomaterials by adsorbed proteins, in the context of osteoblasts and selected materials used in orthopedic implants and bone tissue engineering. It is recognized, however, that the periimplant environment in vivo will differ substantially from the cell-biomaterial interface in vitro. Hence, one of the key issues yet to be resolved is that of the interface composition actually encountered by osteoblasts within the sequence of inflammation and bone regeneration.

The selective modulation of endothelial cell mobility on RGD peptide containing surfaces by YIGSR peptides

The ability of the biomimetic peptides YIGSR, PHSRN and RGD to selectively affect adhesion and migration of human microvascular endothelial cells (MVEC) and vascular smooth muscle cells (HVSMC) was evaluated. Cell mobility was quantified by time-lapse video microscopy of single cells migrating on peptide modified surfaces. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels modified with YIGSR or PHSRN allowed only limited adhesion and no spreading of MVEC and HVSMC. However, when these peptides were individually combined with the strong cell binding peptide RGD in PEG hydrogels, the YIGSR peptide was found to selectively enhance the migration of MVEC by 25% over that of MVEC on RGD alone (p<0.05). No corresponding effect was observed for HVSMC. This suggests that the desired response of specific cell types to tissue engineering scaffolds could be optimized through a combinatory approach to the use of biomimetic peptides.

Promotion of fibroblast activity by coating with hydrophobins in the beta-sheet end state

Hydrophobins such as SC3 and SC4 of Schizophyllum commune self-assemble into an amphipathic film at hydrophilic/hydrophobic interfaces. These proteins can thus change the nature of surfaces, which makes them attractive candidates to improve physio- and physico-chemical properties of implant surfaces. At a hydrophobic solid, assembly of the hydrophobin is arrested in an intermediate state, called the alpha-helical state. The conversion to the stable beta-sheet end state can be induced by treating the solid at elevated temperatures in the presence of detergent. We here show that SC3 and SC4 in the alpha-helical state homogeneously cover Teflon sheets when coating was performed at 20 degrees C. However, when the protein was adsorbed at 80 degrees C aggregates were shown to bind tightly to the adsorbed hydrophobin film. The transition to the beta-sheet state created pores of about 50 nm in the SC3 and SC4 coatings when coating was performed at 20 degrees C. Cell growth and morphology on SC4 coatings was better than on SC3. In case of both hydrophobins, fibroblast growth and morphology was not influenced by the coating temperature or the conformation of the protein. However, in contrast to the alpha-helical state, the beta-sheet state of both SC3 and SC4 hardly, if at all, affected mitochondrial activity.

Model surfaces engineered with nanoscale roughness and RGD tripeptides promote osteoblast activity

Cell adhesion to biomaterials is a prerequisite for tissue integration with the implant surface. Herein, we show that we can generate a model silica surface that contains a minimal-length arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) peptide that maintains its biological activity. In the first part of this study, attachment of MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells was investigated on silicon oxide, amine terminated substrates [i.e., 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTS)], grafted RGD, and physisorbed RGD control. The APTS layer exhibited nanoscale roughness and presented amine functional groups for grafting a minimal RGD tripeptide devoid of any flanking groups or spacers. Contact angle measurements indicated that the hydrophobicity of the APTS surface was significantly lower than that of the surface with grafted RGD (RGD-APTS). Atomic force microscopy showed that surfaces covered with RGD-APTS were smoother (Ra = 0.71 nm) than those covered with APTS alone (Ra = 1.59 nm). Focusing mainly on cell morphology, experiments showed that the RGD-APTS hybrid provided an optimum surface for cell adhesion, spreading, and cytoskeletal organization. Discrete focal adhesion plaques were also observed consistent with successful cell signaling events. In a second set of experiments, smooth, monolayers of APTS (Ra = 0.1 nm) were used to prepare arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-serine (RGDS)-APTS and arginine-glycine-glutamic acid-serine (RGES)-APTS (control) substrates. Focusing mainly on cell function, integrin and gene expression were all enhanced for rate osteosarcoma cells on surfaces containing grafted RGDS. Both sets of studies demonstrated that grafted molecules of RGD(S) enhance both osteoblast-like cell adhesion and function.

Human microvascular endothelial cell growth and migration on biomimetic surfactant polymers

Successful engineering of a tissue-incorporated vascular prosthesis requires cells to proliferate and migrate on the scaffold. Here, we report on a series of "ECM-like" biomimetic surfactant polymers that exhibit quantitative control over the proliferation and migrational properties of human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC). The biomimetic polymers consist of a poly(vinyl amine) (PVAm) backbone with hexanal branches and varying ratios of cell binding peptide (RGD) to carbohydrate (maltose). Proliferation and migration behavior of HMVEC was investigated using polymers containing RGD: maltose ratios of 100:0, 75:25 and 50:50, and compared with fibronectin (FN) coated glass (1 microg/cm2). A radial Teflon fence migration assay was used to examine HMVEC migration at 12 h intervals over a 48 h period. Migration was quantified using an inverted optical microscope, and HMVEC were examined by confocal microscopy for actin and focal adhesion organization/ arrangement. Over the range of RGD ligand density studied (approximately 0.19-0.6 peptides/nm2), our results show HMVEC migration decreases with increasing RGD density in the polymer. HMVEC were least motile on the 100% RGD polymer (approximately 0.38-0.6 peptides/nm2) with an average migration of 0.20 mm2/h in area covered, whereas HMVEC showed the fastest migration of 0.48+/-0.06 mm2/h on the 50% RGD surface ( approximately 0.19-0.30 peptides/nm2). In contrast, cell proliferation increased with increasing surface peptide density; proliferation on the 50% RGD surface was 1.5%+/-0.06/h compared with 2.2%+/-0.07/h on the 100% RGD surface. Our results show that surface peptide density affects cellular functions such as growth and migration, with the highest peptide density supporting the most proliferation but the slowest migration.

RGD-containing peptide GCRGYGRGDSPG reduces enhancement of osteoblast differentiation by poly(L-lysine)-graft-poly(ethylene glycol)-coated titanium surfaces

Osteoblasts exhibit a more differentiated morphology on surfaces with rough microtopographies. Surface effects are often mediated through integrins that bind the RGD motif in cell attachment proteins. Here, we tested the hypothesis that modulating access to RGD binding sites can modify the response of osteoblasts to surface microtopography. MG63 immature osteoblast-like cells were cultured on smooth (Ti sputter-coated Si wafers) and rough (grit blasted/acid etched) Ti surfaces that were modified with adsorbed monomolecular layers of a comb-like graft copolymer, poly-(L-lysine)-g-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLL-g-PEG), to limit nonspecific protein adsorption. PLL-g-PEG coatings were functionalized with varying amounts of an integrin-receptor-binding RGD peptide GCRGYGRGDSPG (PLL-g-PEG/PEG-RGD) or a nonbinding RDG control sequence GCRGYGRDGSPG (PLL-g-PEG/PEG-RDG). Response to PLL-g-PEG alone was compared with response to surfaces on which 2-18% of the polymer sidechains were functionalized with the RGD peptide or the RDG peptide. To examine RGD dose-response, peptide surface concentration was varied between 0 and 6.4 pmol/cm(2). In addition, cells were cultured on uncoated Ti or Ti coated with PLL-g-PEG or PLL-g-PEG/PEG-RGD at an RGD surface concentration of 0.7 pmol/cm(2), and free RGDS was added to the media to block integrin binding. Analyses were performed 24 h after cultures had achieved confluence on the tissue culture plastic surface. Cell number was reduced on smooth Ti compared to plastic or glass and further decreased on surfaces coated with PLL-g-PEG or PLL-g-PEG/PEG-RDG, but was restored to control levels when PLL-g-PEG/PEG-RGD was present. Alkaline phosphatase specific activity and osteocalcin levels were increased on PLL-g-PEG alone or PLL-g-PEG/PEG-RDG, but PLL-g-PEG/PEG-RGD reduced the parameters to control levels. On rough Ti surfaces, cell number was reduced to a greater extent than on smooth Ti. PLL-g-PEG coatings reduced alkaline phosphatase and increased osteocalcin in a manner that was synergistic with surface roughness. The RDG peptide did not alter the PLL-g-PEG effect but the RGD peptide restored these markers to their control levels. PLL-g-PEG coatings also increased TGF-beta1 and PGE(2) in conditioned media of cells cultured on smooth or rough Ti; there was a 20x increase on rough Ti coated with PLL-g-PEG. PLL-g-PEG effects were inhibited dose dependently by addition of the RGD peptide to the surface. Free RGDS did not decrease the effect elicited by PLL-g-PEG surfaces. These unexpected results suggest that PLL-g-PEG may have osteogenic properties, perhaps correlated with effects that alter cell attachment and spreading, and promote a more differentiated morphology.

Towards biomimetic scaffolds: anhydrous scaffold fabrication from biodegradable amine-reactive diblock copolymers

The development of biomimetic materials and their processing into three-dimensional cell carrying scaffolds is one promising tissue engineering strategy to improve cell adhesion, growth and differentiation on polymeric constructs developing mature and viable tissue. This study was concerned with the fabrication of scaffolds made from amine-reactive diblock copolymers, N-succinimidyl tartrate monoamine poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(D,L-lactic acid), which are able to suppress unspecific protein adsorption and to covalently bind proteins or peptides. An appropriate technique for their processing had to be both anhydrous, to avoid hydrolysis of the active ester, and suitable for the generation of interconnected porous structures. Attempts to fabricate scaffolds utilizing hard paraffin microparticles as hexane-extractable porogens failed. Consequently, a technique was developed involving lipid microparticles, which served as biocompatible porogens on which the scaffold forming polymer was precipitated in the porogen extraction media (n-hexane). Porogen melting during the extraction and polymer precipitation step led to an interconnected network of pores. Suitable lipid mixtures and their melting points, extraction conditions (temperature and time) and a low-toxic polymer solvent system were determined for their use in processing diblock copolymers of different molecular weights (22 and 42 kDa) into highly porous off-the-shelf cell carriers ready for easy surface modification towards biomimetic scaffolds. Insulin was employed to demonstrate the principal of instant protein coupling to a prefabricated scaffold.

RGD modified polymers: biomaterials for stimulated cell adhesion and beyond

Since RGD peptides (R: arginine; G: glycine; D: aspartic acid) have been found to promote cell adhesion in 1984 (Cell attachment activity of fibronectin can be duplicated by small synthetic fragments of the molecule, Nature 309 (1984) 30), numerous materials have been RGD functionalized for academic studies or medical applications. This review gives an overview of RGD modified polymers, that have been used for cell adhesion, and provides information about technical aspects of RGD immobilization on polymers. The impacts of RGD peptide surface density, spatial arrangement as well as integrin affinity and selectivity on cell responses like adhesion and migration are discussed.

Comparison of antibody functionality using different immobilization methods

This study investigates the influence of antibody immobilization methods on antigen capture. Adsorption and two surface chemistries, an aminosilane chemistry and a common heterobifunctional crosslinker (N-gamma-maleimidobutyryloxy-succinimide ester, GMBS), were compared and evaluated for their ability to immobilize antibodies and capture antigen. The role of protein A as an orienting protein scaffold component in each of these techniques was also evaluated. Through experimentation it was determined that the GMBS technique immobilized the highest amount of antibody and minimized nonspecific binding. For all techniques, the most functional antibodies were found to be those immobilized with protein A. Interestingly, the aminosilane technique demonstrated the highest antigen capture with antibody alone but also exhibited the highest level of nonspecific binding.

Coating with genetic engineered hydrophobin promotes growth of fibroblasts on a hydrophobic solid

Class I Hydrophobins self-assemble at hydrophilic-hydrophobic interfaces into a highly insoluble amphipathic film. Upon self-assembly of these fungal proteins hydrophobic solids turn hydrophilic, while hydrophilic materials can be made hydrophobic. Hydrophobins thus change the nature of a surface. This property makes them interesting candidates to improve physio- and physico-chemical properties of implant surfaces. We here show that growth of fibroblasts on Teflon can be improved by coating the solid with genetically engineered SC3 hydrophobin. Either deleting a stretch of 25 amino acids at the N-terminus of the mature hydrophobin (TrSC3) or fusing the RGD peptide to this end (RGD-SC3) improved growth of fibroblasts on the solid surface. In addition, we have shown that assembled SC3 and TrSC3 are not toxic when added to the medium of a cell culture of fibroblasts in amounts up to 125 microg ml(-1).

Improvement of the functions of osteoblasts seeded on modified poly(D,L-lactic acid) with poly(aspartic acid)

One of the challenges in the field of tissue engineering is the development of biomaterial/cell interactions. For the purposes of the present study, two molecular weights of poly(aspartic acid) (PASP) were used to modify poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PDLLA) films in order to enhance their cell affinity. The properties of the PDLLA-modified surfaces and the controls were investigated by water contact angle measurement and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). These data reflect the change in the biocompatibility of modified PDLLA surfaces. Then rat osteoblasts were seeded onto these modified surfaces and on controls to examine their effects on cell adhesion and proliferation. Cell morphologies on these surfaces were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and cell viability was evaluated with a MTT assay. In addition, differentiated cell function was assessed by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. The results suggest that PASP-modified surfaces may enhance the interactions between osteoblasts and PDLLA films.

GRGDSP peptide-bound silicone membranes withstand mechanical flexing in vitro and display enhanced fibroblast adhesion

Mechanobiological studies of cardiac tissue require devices that allow forces to be exerted on cells in vitro. Silicone elastomer is often used in these devices because it is flexible and transparent, permitting optical imaging of the cells. However, native untreated silicone is hydrophobic and is unsuitable for cell culture. Peptides covalently bound to silicone surfaces are examined here for the enhancement of cellular adhesion during in vitro dynamic flexing. A procedure is described for the chemical modification of medical grade silicone membranes with covalently bound GRGDSP peptides. The conditions for mechanical studies of cardiac cell cultures are then duplicated and it is demonstrated that the peptide layers survive 48 h of mechanical flexing in vitro. Specifically, mechanical flexing in vitro of the 30 pmol/cm2 peptide-modified silicone membranes has no significant effect on the amount of peptides that remains bound to the surface. Cardiac fibroblasts display enhanced adhesion to these peptide-bound silicone membranes for at least 24 h of growth, compared with native silicone or tissue culture polystyrene. The effects of serum versus serum-free media on fibroblast growth are also examined.

RGD-peptides for tissue engineering of articular cartilage

One keypoint in the development of a biohybrid implant for articular cartilage defects is the specific binding of cartilage cells to a supporting structure. Mimicking the physiological adhesion process of chondrocytes to the extracellular matrix is expected to improve cell adhesion of in vitro cultured chondrocytes. Our approach involves coating of synthetic scaffolds with tailor-made, cyclic RGD-peptides, which bind to specific integrin receptors on the cell surface. In this study we investigated the expression pattern of integrins on the cell surface of chondrocytes and their capability to specifically bind to RGD-peptide coated materials in the course of monolayer cultivation. Human chondrocytes expressed integrins during a cultivation period of 20 weeks. Receptors proved to be functionally active as human and pig chondrocytes attached to RGD-coated surfaces. A competition assay with soluble RGD-peptide revealed binding specificity to the RGD-entity. Chondrocyte morphology changed with increasing amounts of cyclic RGD-peptides on the surface.

Laser scanning microscopy study on adsorption of biologically relevant proteins on implant materials

The adsorption of proteins at implant surfaces plays a key role in osseointegration and is therefore of great importance in biomaterial science. Laser scanning microscopy (LSM) is described, a method that is used here for the first study of the adsorption of proteins on implant surfaces. These LSM measurements provide information on the surface morphology, and the spatial distribution of adsorbed proteins can be deduced.

Cell migration through defined, synthetic ECM analogs

We have developed synthetic hydrogel extracellular matrix (ECM) analogues that can be used to study mechanisms involved in cell migration, such as receptor-ligand interactions and proteolysis. The biomimetic hydrogels consist of bioinert polyethylene glycol diacrylate derivatives with proteolytically degradable peptide sequences included in the backbone of the polymer and adhesive peptide sequences grafted to the network. Hydrogels have been developed that degrade as cells secrete proteolytic enzymes. Adhesive peptide sequences grafted to the hydrogel provide ligands that can interact with receptors on the cell surface to mediate adhesion and spreading. In this study, we have characterized the effects of adhesive ligand density on fibroblast migration through collagenase-degradable and plasmin-degradable hydrogels and on smooth muscle cell migration through elastase-degradable hydrogels. In all three cases, we found that cell migration has a biphasic dependence on adhesion ligand concentration, with optimal migration at intermediate ligand levels. Furthermore, both adhesive and proteolytically degradable sequences were required for cell migration to occur. These synthetic ECM analogues may be useful for 3-D mechanistic studies of many aspects of cell migration

Cell adhesion peptides alter smooth muscle cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, and matrix protein synthesis on modified surfaces and in polymer scaffolds

The effects of cell adhesion peptides (RGDS, KQAGDV, VAPG) on vascular smooth muscle cells grown on modified surfaces and in tissue-engineering scaffolds were examined. Cells were more strongly adhered to surfaces modified with adhesive ligands than to control surfaces (no ligand or a nonadhesive ligand). Cell migration was higher on surfaces with 0.2 nmol/cm(2) of adhesive ligand than on control surfaces, but it was lower on surfaces with 2.0 nmol/cm(2) of adhesive ligand than it was on control surfaces. Further, cell proliferation was lower on adhesive surfaces than it was on control surfaces, and it decreased as the ligand density increased. Similarly, in the peptide-grafted hydrogel scaffolds, cell proliferation was lower in scaffolds containing the adhesive peptides than it was in control scaffolds. After 7 days of culture, more collagen per cell was produced in control scaffolds than in scaffolds containing adhesive peptides. In addition, collagen production decreased in the scaffolds as the ligand concentration increased. While modification of a surface or scaffold material with adhesive ligands initially increases cell attachment, it may be necessary to optimize cell adhesion simultaneously with proliferation, migration, and matrix production.

Selective adhesion of astrocytes to surfaces modified with immobilized peptides

Under serum-free conditions, rat skin fibroblasts, but not cortical astrocytes, selectively adhered to glass surfaces modified with the integrin-ligand peptide RGDS. In contrast, astrocytes, but not fibroblasts, exhibited enhanced adhesion onto substrates modified with KHIFSDDSSE, a peptide that mimics a homophilic binding domain of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM). Astrocyte and fibroblast adhesion onto substrates modified with the integrin ligands IKVAV and YIGSR as well as the control peptides RDGS and SEDSDKFISH were similar to that observed on aminophase glass (reference substrate). This study is the first to demonstrate the use of immobilized KHIFSDDSSE in selectively modulating astrocyte and fibroblast adhesion on material surfaces, potentially leading to materials that promote specific functions of cells involved in the response(s) of central nervous system tissues to injury. This information could be incorporated into novel biomaterials designed to improve the long-term performance of the next generation of neural prostheses.

Tethered-TGF-beta increases extracellular matrix production of vascular smooth muscle cells

Biomaterials developed for tissue engineering and wound healing applications need to support robust cell adhesion, yet also need to be replaced by new tissue synthesized by those cells. In order to maintain mechanical integrity of the tissue, the cells must generate sufficient extracellular matrix before the scaffold is degraded. We have previously shown that materials containing cell adhesive ligands to promote or improve cell adhesion can decrease extracellular matrix production (Mann et al., Modification of surfaces with cell adhesion peptides alters extracellular matrix deposition. Biomaterials 1999;20:2281-6). Such decreased matrix production by cells in tissue engineering scaffolds may result in tissue failure. However, we have found that TGF-beta1 can be used in scaffolds to dramatically increase matrix production. Matrix production by vascular smooth muscle cells grown on adhesive ligand-modified glass surfaces and in PEG hydrogels containing covalently bound adhesive ligands was increased in the presence of 0.04 pmol/ml (1 ng/ml) TGF-beta1. TGF-beta1 can counteract the effect of these adhesive ligands on matrix production; matrix production could be increased even above that observed in the absence of adhesive peptides. Further, TGF-beta1 covalently immobilized to PEG retained its ability to increase matrix production. Tethering TGF-beta1 to the polymer scaffold resulted in a significant increase in matrix production over the same amount of soluble TGF-beta1.