Biological Activation of Bioinert Medical High Performance Oxide Ceramics by Hydrolytically Stable Immobilization of c(RGDyK) and BMP-2.

High performance oxide ceramics (HPOC), such as alumina, zirconia, and dispersion ceramics thereof are successfully used as articulating components in joint arthroplasty. HPOC exhibit excellent wear resistance, high strength, and cytocompatible behavior; however, they lack sufficient tissue bonding capability. Thus, they are primarily deployed as low-wear bearing articulating components in arthroplasty without direct tissue contact, although proper cellular stimulation would hold significant advantages. Here, we describe a surface modification approach for HPOC, enabling hydrolytically stable interfacial binding of c(RGDyK) peptides and BMP-2 proteins to significantly improve adhesion and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) without altering the mechanical properties of the underlying ceramic substrates. Analyses of cellular attachment of murine fibroblasts (L929), human alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549), hMSC on c(RGDyK), and osteogenic differentiation of hMSC on BMP-2 coated interfaces demonstrate significant improvements of cell adhesion and an enhanced osteogenic differentiation potential in vitro. The presented approach provides a strategy for the development of a novel class of bioactive high performance oxide ceramics with osseointegration potential that could lead to novel therapeutic solutions for biomedical applications.