Integrin binding specificity regulates biomaterial surface chemistry effects on cell differentiation

Biomaterial surface chemistry has profound consequences on cellular and host responses, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Using self-assembled monolayers as model biomaterial surfaces presenting well defined chemistries, we demonstrate that surface chemistry modulates osteoblastic differentiation and matrix mineralization independently from alterations in cell proliferation. Surfaces were precoated with equal densities of fibronectin (FN), and surface chemistry modulated FN structure to alter integrin adhesion receptor binding. OH- and NH(2)-terminated surfaces up-regulated osteoblast-specific gene expression, alkaline phosphatase enzymatic activity, and matrix mineralization…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Award: 9731643
• GI
  Georgia Institute of Technology

  Award: EEC-9731643
• EU
  Emory University
• DF
  Directorate for Biological Sciences
• NI
  National Institute of Child Health and Human Development