Growth factors and protein-modified surfaces and interfaces

Designing biomaterials that specifically regulate cell behaviors is significant to biomedical device performance. Many functions of cells are regulated by three interactions, namely, with (1) extracellular matrices (ECMs), (2) neighboring cells, and (3) soluble biosignals such as growth factors. Biomaterial researchers have immobilized ECM, cell adhesion factors, and growth factors to regulate the cell functions. Here, the biosignaling of ECM, cell adhesion factors, and growth factors are reviewed and biomaterial designs using the biosignaling mechanisms are discussed. First, proteins employed for surface modification are summarized. For cell adhesion, ECM, cell adhesion protein, and cell adhesion peptides are explained. Growth factor proteins for enhancement of cell growth are exemplified and their action mechanisms are reviewed. The importance of these proteins is also discussed. Second, as protein-immobilized surfaces, immobilization of ECM, biomimetic peptides, molecules corresponding to cell-cell interactions, and growth factors are reviewed. Finally, biomaterials design using immobilization of protein is discussed as summary and future directions.