Abstract
The integration of implants or medical devices into the body tissues requires of good cell–material interactions. However, most polymeric materials used for these applications lack on biological cues, which enhanced mid- and long-term implant failure due to weak integration with the surrounding tissue. Commonly used strategies for tissue–material integration focus on functionalization of the material surface by means of natural proteins or short peptides. However, the use of these biomolecules involves major drawbacks such as immunogenic problems and oversimplification of the constructs. Here, designed elastin-like recombinamers (ELRs) are used to enhance poly(methyl methacrylate) surface properties and compared against the use of short peptides. In this study, cell response has been analysed for different functionalization conditions in the presence and absence of a competing protein, which interferes on surface–cell interaction by unspecific adsorption on the interface. The study has shown that ELRs can induce higher rates of cell attachment and stronger cell anchorages than short peptides, being a better choice for surface functionalization.
Highlights
Poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, was first used into clinics, as dental device, for the fabrication of complete denture bases [1]
The biofunctionalization of PMMA surfaces using elastin-like recombinamers (ELRs) has been analysed in this article
ELR-engineered proteins have shown to be a good alternative to short peptides and natural proteins, which can enhance surface properties while avoiding problems such as immunogenicity, purification, over-simplification, and so on
Summary
Poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, was first used into clinics, as dental device, for the fabrication of complete denture bases [1]. Numerous new biomaterials have appeared on the market, the versatility and reliability of PMMA cause it to remain a popular and frequently used material [9]. For many of these applications, such as mandibular reconstruction or intraocular lenses, a good cell–biomaterial interaction is paramount for the integration of the implant, and the stability of the fixation on the interface or the prevention of cataract, respectively.
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