Of fibronectin to polyurethane surfaces

Adsorption of Fibronectin to Polyurethane Surfaces Fourier li ansform Infrared Spectroscopic Studies... 

Early attempts to functionalize biomaterial surfaces with biological molecules were focused on improving blood compatibility of cardiovascular devices, such as the artificial heart and synthetic blood vessels, by immobilizing heparin or albumin on polyurethane or Dacron . To enhance cell adhesion to biomaterial surfaces, entire extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, such as fibronectin and laminin, have been used directly as coatings. However, because of the nonspecific manner of whole protein adsorption, most of the cell binding capability is often lost. Using a molecular templating technique, it may be possible to select which protein(s) to absorb on biomaterial surfaces. ... 

One of the most prevalent cell adhesion peptides is the tripeptide arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) from fibronectin.f This tripeptide has been used extensively to promote adhesion and spreading of many cell types. For example, polyurethane surface can be activated and coupled to RGD via the carboxy terminus. Surfaces containing photo-activable groups, such as benzophenone or aryl azide, can be modified easily with RGD by UV radiation. This tripeptide and other... 

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