Bio-orthogonal Immobilization of Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 for Spatial Controlled Cell Proliferation

Presentation of therapeutic proteins on material surfaces is challenged by random immobilization chemistries through lysine or cysteine residues, typically leading to heterogeneous product outcome. Pharmaceutical quality standards warrant a controlled process ideally through site specific conjugation. Therefore, we deployed genetic codon expansion to engineer a propargyl-l-lysine (Plk)-modified FGF-2 analogue, enabling site-specific copper(I)-catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). Site-specific decoration of Plk-FGF-2 to particles sparked cell proliferation of human osteosarcoma cells in a spatially controlled manner around the decorated carrier, rendering this approach instrumental for the future design of quality-improved bioinstructive scaffold outcome.