Biomaterial surface proteomic signature determines interaction with epithelial cells

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Cell interactions with biomaterials are indirect, mediated by adsorbed extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins.
• Biomaterial surface properties critically influence protein adsorption and cellular behavior, often leading to adverse host responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if a biomaterial's surface proteomic signature determines its interaction with epithelial cells.
• To explore how biomaterial surface chemistry influences ECM protein adsorption and subsequent cell behavior.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a surface proteomic approach to determine the protein adsorption profiles of various biomaterials exposed to epithelial cell ECM (basal lamina).
• Employed label-free mass spectrometry for screening ECM protein adsorption and correlated it with cellular responses.

Main Results:

• Biomaterial surface chemistry was found to dictate the surface proteomic profile and subsequent epithelial cell interactions.
• Biomaterials with surface chemistries similar to percutaneous tissues (e.g., aminated PMMA, aminated PDLLA) selectively adsorbed key basal lamina proteins (laminins, nidogen-1).
• This selective protein adsorption led to improved interactions between these biomaterials and epithelial cells.

Conclusions:

• Surface chemistry is a key determinant of biomaterial-ECM protein interactions and cell behavior.
• Mimicking the surface chemistry of natural percutaneous tissues can enhance biomaterial-epithelial integration.
• This approach offers a rationale for designing improved biomaterial surfaces for skin regeneration and percutaneous devices.