Enhanced attachment, proliferation, and differentiation of human gingival fibroblasts on titanium surface modified with biomolecules

Surface modification of dental implants with biomolecules is of particularly interest recently. To mimic the structure and function of native extracellular matrix (ECM), a derivative of hyaluronic acid (HA), HA–GRGDSP, was synthesized, Arg–Gly–Asp (RGD)‐containing collagen (Col)/HA multilayer polyelectrolyte films (MPFs) coating was fabricated on titanium (Ti) through alternate deposition of Col and HA–GRGDSP with 4.5 assembly cycles; moreover, bioactive molecule, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), was also incorporated into such coating. This coating was then carefully characterized using scanning electronic microscope (SEM) and scanning force microscopy (SFM); bFGF release from the coating was also evaluated. (Col + bFGF)/HA–RGD coating was successfully deposited on Ti surface, and about 300 pg of bFGF could be slowly released from this coating for a week. This coating significantly promoted the initial cell attachment of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) compared with other groups ( p < 0.05), and HGFs adhered and spread better on this coating than other groups ( p < 0.05). Regarding cell proliferation and differentiation of HGFs, they were greatly stimulated when cultured on this coating ( p < 0.05). These results indicated that surface modification of Ti using biomolecules might improve the sealing between the neck section of a dental implant and the soft tissue. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.