Biochemical modification of titanium surfaces: peptides and ECM proteins

This paper reviews current approaches to the enhancement of bone regeneration at the interface with implant devices, by immobilization of biomolecules to titanium surfaces. In particular, techniques based on surface linking of peptides or extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins are reviewed, trying to describe surface modification approaches and to present results of chemico-physical and biological evaluations, both in vitro and in vivo. Based on existing literature, surface modification by peptides or ECM proteins appears as an effective way to stimulate bone regeneration over that provided by titanium, as suggested by basic studies and in vitro results and confirmed by in vivo findings.