Bio-functionalized star PEG-coated PVDF surfaces for cytocompatibility-improved implant components

Abstract

Unmodified and GRGDS peptide-modified six arm PEG star based hydrogels (Star PEG) have been applied as a multifunctional, easy to handle coating system for textile polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) structures, which prevent unspecific protein and cell adsorption and control-specific cell adhesion. The reactive isocyanate-terminated Star PEG has been successfully applied to ammonia-plasma treated two- and three-dimensional PVDF surfaces. Easy modification of the surface hydrogel by mixing in of GRGDS peptide during the coating step or subsequent coupling of GRGDS was determined by TOF-SIMS. Unmodified and GRGDS-functionalized hydrogel surfaces show distinct protein repellency, as demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy after incubation with fluorescent labeled proteins and Surface MALDI-TOF-Mass Spectroscopy. Cell culture experiments with primary human dermal fibroblasts, primary fetal rat fibroblasts, and human osteoblasts on GRGDS and/or KRSR Star PEG-modified two- and three-dimensional substrates show advancement in cell adhesion and proliferation compared with untreated PVDF surfaces, whereas pure star PEG-coated surfaces show no cell adhesion. The combination of protein and cell repellent properties with specific biofunctionality and easy application of the coatings will enable their application for 3D-scaffolds.