Immobilized RGD peptides on surface-grafted dextran promote biospecific cell attachment

Dextran has recently been investigated as an alternative to poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) for low protein-binding, cell-resistant coatings on biomaterial surfaces. Although antifouling properties of surface-grafted dextran and PEG are quite similar, surface-bound dextran has multiple reactive sites for high-density surface immobilization of biologically active molecules. We recently reported nontoxic aqueous methods to covalently immobilize dextran on material surfaces. These dextran coatings effectively limited cell adhesion and spreading in the presence of serum-borne cell adhesion proteins. In this study we utilized the same non-toxic aqueous methods to graft cell adhesion peptides on low protein-binding dextran monolayer surfaces. Chemical composition of all modified surfaces was verified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Surface-grafted cell adhesion peptides stimulated endothelial cell, fibroblast, and smooth muscle cell attachment and spreading in vitro. In contrast, surface-grafted inactive peptide sequences did not promote high levels of cell interaction. Surface-grafted high affinity cyclic RGD peptides promoted cell type-dependent interactions. With dextran-based surface coatings, it will be possible to develop well-defined surface modifications that promote specific cell interactions and perhaps better performance in long-term biomaterial implants.