Nanoscale titanium surface functionalization with GDF-5: in vitro and in vivo studies

• Grant number: 13/16910-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2013
• End date: October 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Paulo Tambasco de Oliveira
• Grantee: Laura Fernandes da Silva Novaes
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto (FORP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Initial studies from our research group have shown that the simple adsorption of the growth and differentiation factor 5 (GDF-5) on a titanium (Ti) surface nanotopography obtained by etching with sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide alters key parameters of the progression of osteogenic cell cultures, resulting in enhanced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and matrix mineralization. To extend these observations, the present study aims at: 1) evaluating the effects of post-adsorption of the main plasma proteins albumin, fibrinogen and fibronectin on GDF-5-functionalized Ti nanotopography on the mineralization of osteogenic cell cultures; 2) comparing thin layer-by-layer (LbL) films of GDF-5 with inhomogeneous films of GDF-5 obtained by simple adsorption in terms of the osteogenic cell response, including mRNA expression of key osteoblast markers, ALP activity and matrix mineralization; 3) evaluating new bone formation in direct contact with, or adjacent to, nanostructured Ti implants functionalized with GDF-5, based on the results obtained with the in vitro experiments.