Biomimetic Design of Mussel-Derived Bioactive Peptides for Dual-Functionalization of Titanium-Based Biomaterials

Specific cell adhesion and osteogenicity are both crucial factors for the long-term success of titanium implants. In this work, two mussel-derived bioactive peptides were designed to one-step dual-biofunctionalization of titanium implants via robust catechol/TiO2 coordinative interactions. The highly biomimetic peptides capped with integrin-targeted sequence or osteogenic growth sequence could efficiently improve the biocompatibilities of titanium implants and endow the implants with abilities to induce specific cell adhesion and enhanced osteogenicity. More importantly, rationally combined use of the two biomimetic peptides indicated an enhanced synergism on osteogenicity, osseointegration and finally the mechanical stability of Ti implants in vivo. Therefore, the highly biomimetic mussel-derived peptides and the dual-functional strategy in this study would provide a facile, safe, and effective means for improving clinical outcome of titanium-based medical implants.