MSC differentiation on two-photon polymerized, stiffness and BMP2 modified biological copolymers.

Introduction: Bone tissue regeneration requires a three-dimensional biological setting. An ideal scaffold should enable cell proliferation and differentiation by mimicking structure and mechanical properties of the compromised defect as well as carrying growth factors. Two-photon polymerization (2PP) allows the preparation of 3D structures with a micrometric resolution.

Biomimetic multilayer coatings deliver gentamicin and reduce implant-related osteomyelitis in rats.

Implant-related infections like periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) are still a challenging issue in orthopedic surgery. In this study, we present a prophylactic anti-infective approach based on a local delivery of the antibiotic gentamicin. The local delivery is achieved via a nanoscale polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) coating that leaves the bulk material properties of the implant unaffected while tuning the surface properties.

Investigations on the secondary structure of polypeptide chains in polyelectrolyte multilayers and their effect on the adhesion and spreading of osteoblasts.

Inspired by the composition of the native extracellular matrix, biomimetic polyelectrolyte multilayers were assembled from polypeptides and the glycosaminoglycan chondroitin sulfate (CS). To investigate whether peptide conformation imposes an effect on the cell biological functions of osteoblasts, the secondary structure was analyzed by in situ infra-red and circular dichroism spectroscopy. Multilayers composed of polypeptides and CS reveal a predominantly random coiled conformation and impede osteoblast spreading.

Biomimetic assembly of polyelectrolyte multilayers containing phosvitin monitored with reflectometric interference spectroscopy.

Coatings of biomaterials or implants that facilitate biomineralization possess a great potential for applications focused to the replacement, augmentation, and regeneration of bone tissue. Biomimetic approaches utilize biomolecules for either templating or supporting the crystallization process. One of these promising biomolecules is phosvitin (PV), an egg yolk protein known to transport and store inorganic phosphates and calcium ions.

Colloidal force spectroscopy and cell biological investigations on biomimetic polyelectrolyte multilayer coatings composed of chondroitin sulfate and heparin.

To promote osteoblast adhesion and proliferation on (bio)material surfaces, biomimetic coatings resembling the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) are desirable. The glycosamino glycans (GAGs) chondroitin sulfate (CS) and heparin (HEP) are promising candidates for a biomimetic coating since they are two of the most prevalent noncollagenous biomolecules constituting the ECM. Coatings containing CS and HEP were prepared employing the "layer by layer" technique yielding polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs).

Glycine N-methyltransferases: a comparison of the crystal structures and kinetic properties of recombinant human, mouse and rat enzymes.

Glycine N-methyltransferases (GNMTs) from three mammalian sources were compared with respect to their crystal structures and kinetic parameters. The crystal structure for the rat enzyme was published previously. Human and mouse GNMT were expressed in Escherichia coli in order to determine their crystal structures.