Peptide-functionalized supported lipid bilayers to construct cell membrane mimicking interfaces

Abstract

Supported lipid bilayers (SLB) functionalized with bioactive molecules can be effectively used to study the interaction of cells with different molecules for fundamental research or to develop biosynthetic systems for various biomedical applications. In this study, RGD and Osteocalcin mimetic (OSN) peptides were used as model molecules for functionalization of otherwise passive SLBs to evaluate cell-surface interactions via real-time monitoring in quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation. Similar platforms were also used in cell culture environment. It was seen that low density of mobile RGD peptides on SLB platforms preserved their biological activity and promoted cell adhesion more efficiently than high number of immobile, physisorbed peptides. Even though nonspecific protein and cell attachment was promoted, cells did not spread well on OSN-coated control surfaces. The stability of SLBs produced with different lipids were evaluated in various medium conditions. Enrichment with different lipids increased the stability of SLB to pure PC bilayer.

Keywords: Cell adhesion; Human fetal osteoblast cells; Quartz crystal microbalance; RGD peptide; Supported lipid bilayer.