Supramolecular Surface for Biomedical Applications: Collagen Affinity Coating for Surface Binding of Decorin

摘要

The development of biomaterials that promote tissue reconstruction and regeneration can reduce the chronic inflammation and encapsulation that surround today’s medical devices. In the case of implantable sensors, the host response often causes device failure and prevents successful permanent implantation. Our goal is to present bioactive molecules that promote healing rather than scarring. Localized delivery is essential to preventing adverse tissue reactions elsewhere in the body. Towards this end, we have developed a collagen affinity coating that naturally binds a number of potential healing molecules to the surface of an implant. This allows the creation of a wide variety of natural surface coatings that can be tailored to promote the desired healing response. To demonstrate the efficacy of this collagen affinity coating to bind promising healing molecules that naturally bind to type I collagen in vivo, the anti-fibrotic proteoglycan decorin (DCN) was utilized. DCN binds and renders ineffective the cytokine transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) that induces collagen scar production. Thus, an assembled, supramolecular structure of biomaterial-collagen-DCN-TGFβ is formed. A DCN surface coating was created and characterized, illustrating the potential of a type I collagen affinity coating for widespread use with a variety of promising healing molecules.