Georgia Tech inventors have engineered biological protein ligands that recapitulate the structure of natural proteins and convey integrin receptor specificity. Binding of specific integrin receptors triggers selective signaling pathways and elicits particular cellular and host responses. An important feature of these biomimetic ligands is that they can be applied as bioactive coatings on biomedical devices. These bioactive coatings elicit enhanced healing responses in vivo compared to the unmodified material. Notably, the biomimetic ligand coatings result in improved healing compared to the natural biological protein. Our study establishes a simple, single-step biologically active implant coating that enhances bone repair and implant integration for clinical orthopedic and dental applications.
- Simple, one-step surface modification without chemical cross-linking agents
- Modification at the time of surgery in the operation room
- Straight forward sterilization
- Ligands are not derived from mammalian sources
- Minimal risk of pathogen transmission
- Biomedical and biotechnological applications
- Bone repair
- Orthopedic and dental applications
- Tissue healing
Upon implantation, synthetic materials elicit an inflammatory response that results in a foreign body reaction and fibrous encapsulation. The foreign body reaction severely limits device integration and in viva performance of numerous biomedical devices, including chemical biosensors, electrical leads/electrodes, therapeutic delivery systems, and orthopaedic and cardiovascular prostheses. Extensive efforts have concentrated on surface treatments and coatings to improve host tissue-implant integration.