Poly(2-Methacryloxyethyl Phosphorylcholine-Co-Butyl Methacrylate) Coating Enhances Biomimetic Mineralization of...

Biologically active glasses (BG) are widely studied as potential materials for bone tissue engineering, owing to their capacity to form hydroxyapatite (HA) layers when exposed to body fluids. However, the demerit of BG is the slow deposition rate of calcium ions on the surface, a key factor in increasing the conversion rate to mineralization. The purpose of this study is to introduce phosphoryl group recognized as a trigger for the nucleation processes of apatite formation on the surface of BG.

BG was coated with poly (2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMB) and characterized via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Biomimetic mineralization was evaluated through simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion, X-ray diffraction (XRD). In vitro MG-63 cell responses were assessed and compared among BG, BG/HA, BG/2%PMB, and BG/2%PMB/HA groups.

Results demonstrated that the PMB coating successfully promoted mineralization by introducing negatively charged phosphate groups that enhanced crystallization. BG/2%PMB/HA significantly upregulated focal adhesion markers in MG-63 cells, likely due to improved fibronectin (Fn) deposition on the HA layer. Furthermore, the BG/2%PMB/HA surface enhanced cell survival and proliferation through crosstalk with integrin-mediated signaling pathways.

PMB-coated BG effectively accelerates biomimetic mineralization and regulates cellular responses, making it a promising candidate for bone regeneration applications.