Pathology-Adaptive Biomaterial Interfaces Selectively Modulate AGE-Modified Protein Corona To Restore Osteogenesis

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) impair osseointegration by altering protein interactions and increasing oxidative stress at biomaterial interfaces.
• Accumulation of AGEs is linked to diabetes, chronic conditions, and aging, posing challenges for medical implants.
• Current strategies lack specificity in managing AGEs at the biomaterial interface.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a pathology-adaptive surface engineering strategy for biomaterials.
• To selectively modulate the adsorption of AGEs while preserving essential protein interactions.
• To restore the regenerative capacity of bone cells in a metabolically compromised environment.

Main Methods:

• Titanium surfaces were functionalized with carboxyl, amine, or hydrocarbon plasma polymer coatings.
• AGE adsorption and total protein adsorption were quantified.
• Reactive oxygen species generation, apoptosis, and osteogenic gene expression in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were assessed.
• Macrophage inflammatory activation via the AGE-RAGE axis was investigated.

Main Results:

• Carboxyl- and amine-functionalized surfaces selectively reduced AGE adsorption while maintaining total protein adsorption.
• This selective modulation attenuated oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by AGEs.
• Functionalized coatings restored osteogenic gene expression, proliferation, and mineralization in bone cells.
• The AGE-RAGE axis was identified as a key mediator of macrophage inflammation.

Conclusions:

• Pathology-adaptive surface chemistry is a viable strategy to selectively manage disease-associated protein adsorption.
• Surface engineering can restore regenerative performance in biomaterials under glycation stress.
• This approach holds promise for improving implant success in patients with diabetes and aging-related conditions.