Controllable Surface Expression of Bioactive Peptides Incorporated into a Silica Thin Film Matrix

• Published in: Journal of physical chemistry. C 2010-01, Vol.114 (1), p.342-344
• Main Authors: Jedlicka, Sabrina S, Rickus, Jenna L, Zemlyanov, Dmitry
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: C: Surfaces, Interfaces, Catalysis
• ISSN: 1932-7447; 1932-7455
• DOI: 10.1021/jp907551t

Mammalian cell culture platforms often require biomolecular modification to enhance cell adhesion and proliferation. Often, these modifications are performed using self-assembled monolayers or whole protein coatings, such as collagen. These protocols are inherently useful but generally suffer from repeatability. Undesirable conditions during self-assembly can lead to complications in the surface presentation of the biological ligands. Whole proteins are often unstable and derived from animal sources, making them less attractive for tissue engineering applications. As the biological effect of the material often depends strongly on the concentration of the integrated ligand(s), any complication due to synthesis or stability can lead to unexpected biological results. In this research, we expand upon previous work in peptide−silane modifications to sol−gel derived silica matrixes, demonstrating that the surface density of the peptide can be calibrated by simply modifying the starting liquid precursor concentration. The potential for calibration of peptide surface presentation allows for well-defined cell culture platforms that have the potential to mimic natural proteins in a stable, repeatable manner.