Effect of immobilized cell-binding peptides on chitosan membranes for osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells

Two cell-binding domains from FGF-2 (fibroblast growth factor-2) were shown to increase cell attachment and osteoblastic differentiation. Two synthetic peptides derived from FGF-2, namely residues 36-41 (F36; PDGRVD) and 77-83 (F77; KEDGRLL), were prepared and their N-termini further modified for ease of surface immobilization. Chitosan membranes were used in the present study as mechanical supportive bio-materials for peptide immobilization. Peptides could be stably immobilized on to the surface of chitosan membranes. The adhesion of mesenchymal stem cells to the peptide (F36 and F77)-immobilized chitiosan membrane was increased in a dose-dependent manner and completely inhibited by soluble RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) and anti-integrin antibody, indicating the existence of an interaction between F36/F77 and integrin. Peptide-immobilized chitosan supported human bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal-stem-cell differentiation into osteoblastic cells, as demonstrated by alkaline phosphate expression and mineralization. Taken together, the identified peptide-immobilized chitosan membranes were able to support cell adhesion and osteoblastic differentiation; thus these peptides might be useful as bioactive agents for osteoblastic differentiation and surface-modification tools in bone regenerative therapy.