Versatility of Activated Vapor Silanization (AVS) functionalization for biomedical applications

The demand for new engineered materials encourages the development of surface modification techniques that allow the creation of tailored cell-material interphases. These interfaces should emulate the natural properties of the extracellular matrix, supporting cellular functions such as adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation, among others. Activated Vapor Silanization (AVS) is a functionalization procedure that allows the immobilization of either complete proteins or peptides on a wide range of material surfaces. In this work we explore the versatility of this technique, by immobilizing two peptides (IKVAV and PHSRN), with different properties and effects, on borosilicate glass and Ti-6Al-4V surfaces. Results show that the immobilization is stable and resistant to chemical denaturing and that the IKVAV peptide enhances cell adhesion. Collectively, this functionalization strategy can accelerate the development of different peptide- decorated metallic and ceramic surfaces for biomedical applications.