TiO2 nanotubes functionalized with regions of bone morphogenetic protein-2 increases osteoblast adhesion

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are widely used in orthopedic and dental applications. However, the native TiO2 layer is not bioactive enough to form a direct bond with bone, which sometimes translates into a lack of osseointegration into juxtaposed bone that might lead to long term implant failure. In this study, the 20 amino acid peptide sequence (the so-called "knuckle epitope") of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) was immobilized onto Ti nanotubes created by electrochemical anodization. Further, human osteoblast (bone-forming cell) responses to such anodic Ti oxides functionalized with the BMP-2 knuckle epitope was examined in vitro. Materials were characterized by scanning electron and atomic force microscopy. Results of this in vitro study continued to provide evidence of increased osteoblast adhesion on Ti anodized to possess nanotubes compared to unanodized Ti. However, for the first time, results also showed that the immobilization of the BMP-2 knuckle epitope onto Ti anodized to possess nanotubes increased osteoblast adhesion compared to non-functionalized anodized Ti, anodized Ti functionalized with amine (NH2) groups, and unanodized Ti after 4 h. Results also showed increased osteoblast adhesion on amine terminated anodized Ti compared to respective non-functionalized anodized Ti and unanodized Ti. In summary, results of this in vitro study provided evidence that Ti anodized to possess nanotubes and then further functionalized with the BMP-2 knuckle epitope should be further studied for improved orthopedic applications.