Bioactive collagen peptide functionalized polyglucuronic acid - In vitro analysis as a potential biomaterial for bone...

The present study investigated the use of polyglucuronic acid (PGU) functionalized with a bioactive peptide (GKNGDDGEA) as a potential biomaterial for bone tissue engineering. Different concentrations of bioactive peptide-functionalized PGU (PGU-PH-PP1) ranging from P1 (0.178 ng/cm²) to P6 (1.07 ng/cm²) were coated on a polystyrene surface and evaluated for their ability to promote cell adhesion, proliferation, and gene expression of osteogenic markers in the MG63 cell line. The optimum concentration of PGU-PH-PP1 was found to be 0.714 ng/cm² at which, ~20 % enhancement in cell viability was achieved compared to PGU. Functionalized PGU coatings are more likely to undergo osseointegration, as the increased wettability of a biomaterial displays more affinity for protein adsorption and cell adhesion. Furthermore, gene expression analysis showed that PGU-PH-PP1 at a concentration of P4 (0.714 ng/cm²) stimulated the production of osteogenic markers that play a crucial role in controlling the development of the bone extracellular matrix. These markers include osteopontin, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, and runt-related transcription factor 2. PGU-PH-PP1 is a promising bioactive biomaterial with enhanced cell adhesion and osteoinductive properties. This preliminary study lays good foundation for the future development of 3D scaffolds and bioink formulations for regenerative applications.