Surface functionalization of biomaterials for bone regeneration

摘要

Titanium alloy Ti6AI4V and bioactive glasses are presently widely used in the orthopedic field and, in particular, for implants and prosthesis applications. Although these materials are preferred for their superior properties (biocompatibility and bioactivity), there is still ample room to improve the devices: surface functionalization has the aim of reducing the time required for osseointegration, through appropriate modification of the material surface with active biomolecules. Grafting of a biomolecule to bioactive surfaces (able to induce hydroxyapatite precipitation) allows the realization of biomimetic surfaces that are able to promote both the formation of a mineral layer close to the natural one in physiological fluids, and at the same time to stimulate cells in order to promote new tissue generation.In this research work the enzyme alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was covalently grafted to two different bioactive substrates, with the final aim to stimulate bone regeneration.