9610073 Puleo This research is directed at the development and understanding of methods for biochemical surface modification of bioinert orthopedic and dental implant materials. Specifically, biomaterials with plasma-deposited thin films will be used to deliver and retain osteoinductive bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) at the cell-biomaterial interface so as to induce expression of the osteoblast phenotype and thus promote mineralization. The specific aims of the research are to: (1) quantify the benefit to the amount and/or stability/retention of BMP-2 provided by immobilization on plasma treated metallic biomaterials, (2) characterize the bioactivity of BMP-conjugated biomaterials by assessing expression of osteoblastic traits in vitro using two pluripotent mesenchymal cell types, (3) determine the individual and combined roles of weakly and strongly bound BMP-2 in promoting osteoinduction in vitro. This research could provide knowledge to help promote early fixation and compensate for gaps between bone and implant in orthopedic and dental applications. ***
