Development of a Novel Phospholipid-based Biomimetic Implant Surface Modification for Orthopedic Applications

• Published in: Tissue engineering. Part A 2009-03, Vol.15 (3), p.724-724
• Main Authors: Ramchal, R, Iliev, P, Schuster, A, Feyerabend, F, Lott, D, Schossig, M, Finke, B, Willumeit, R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1937-3341; 1937-335X

Titanium is known to be a particularly biocompatible implant material. However in some cases subsequent development of in-terfacial fibrous tissue leading to the isolation of the implants is observed. Phospholipid coatings on titanium implant surfaces have been intensively studied and proved to be a positive factor for cell-implant interactions in vitro (Willumeit et al., 2007, J. Mater. Sci: mater. Med. 18:367-380). However, the so far used adsorptive manner of the lipid transfer is not stable enough. The aim of this study was to develop a novel, covalent coating of titanium with a phospholipid biomembrane model and to investigate the behaviour of human bone derived cells (HBDC) on this modified metal surface. Octadecylphosphonic acid (OPA) was first used to form a covalent linked monolayer on surfaces of smooth titanium samples. A phospholipid (POPE) monolayer was then deposited on this support by means of Langmuir Blodgett Technique to achieve a bilayer serving as cell membrane mimic. The quality of the coating was analysed by contact angle, reflectometry and X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy measurements. For the study of osteointe-gration cell adhesion, viability and differentiation of HBDC were determined. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to corroborate the results. The data show that a stable biomembrane-like coating was created. It was observed that this coating enhances cell adhesion and proliferation and allows the cells to produce proteins fundamental for bone growth. Our results suggest the possible usefulness of stable phospholipid based metal coating for im-plantology.