Endothelialization of Titanium Surfaces by Bioinspired Cell Adhesion Peptide Coatings

Common interventional therapies for cardiovascular occlusive diseases, such as the implantation of stents, are at risk of complications like thrombosis or restenosis. Drug-eluting stents have improved patency but simultaneously worsen the endothelialization of the implant. Here, we present a novel peptide coating derived from three proteins of the extracellular matrix named fibronectin, laminin, and elastin. Their active sequences RGD, SIKVAV, and VGVAPG were immobilized onto titanium surfaces by a carrier peptide containing l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA). Simultaneous functionalization of the carrier peptide with cyclic c[RGDfK] and SIKVAV had the most potent influence on adhesion, proliferation, viability, and angiogenesis of endothelial cells. By presentation of two adhesion peptides in one molecule, a synergistic enhancement of cell-surface interactions was achieved. Overall, this work clearly demonstrates the advantages of spatially defined peptide coatings for the endothelialization of titanium and thus describes a promising approach for the coating of stents.