(96d) Biodegradable Interfacing Nanocomposite Coatings for Modulating the Cellular Response | AIChE

(96d) Biodegradable Interfacing Nanocomposite Coatings for Modulating the Cellular Response

Authors 

Rusen, L., NILPRP
Campean, A., Bucharest University, Faculty of Biology
Various design and functionalization strategies are used nowadays for obtaining multifunctional coatings based on biodegradable and biocompatible materials for targeting cells activity and enhancing cellular bio-response. Specific examples include active compounds from carbon based materials, to ceramics or proteins. In the last years, recent studies showed that the distribution of ceramic nanoparticles for instance and other bioactive compounds could influence significantly osteoblasts responses envisaging osseous implant application. Herein we propose embedding hydroxyapatite (HA) spherical nanoparticles and lactoferrin (LF) within synthetic biodegradable copolymers of poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone) methyl ether (PEG-block-PCL Me) to create new nanocomposites coatings capable of targeting and modulating the response of osteoblast cells (i.e, adhesion, mineralization). The controlled incorporation of HA and LF within the synthetic copolymeric substrates was performed by matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) through a modular target system. The resulting morphologies and the main characteristics of the “doped” samples were investigated using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was also used with results showing that the functional groups in the MAPLE-deposited films remain intact to allow for subsequent directed functionalization and surface attachment. Lastly, the behaviour of the coatings during immersion experiments were evaluated and correlated to their bio-functionality to derive structure-function relationships that enhanced cellular responses. The results revealed that the coatings with HA and LF incorporated in the polymeric matrix have enhanced stability as compared with single element coatings. Further, model cells of MC3T3-E1 murine osteoblasts responses in vitro (cell adhesion/morphology, proliferation and matrix mineralization) was differentially influenced by the variations in the physicochemical characteristics of materials biointerface demonstrating user-controlled ability (as dictated by MAPLE) to enhance bio-responses at living-non-living interfaces.