OBJECTIVEThis study is conducted to explore new methods to perform surface biomodification of titanium implants and improve osteogenic efficiency.

METHODSAn RGD peptide and chitosan (CS) were combined by acylation reaction, forming RGD-CS. An RGD-CS/pDNA complex was subsequently prepared using a complex coacervation method and grafted on a pure titanium surface after physical and biochemical treatments were performed. The chemical structural characteristics of RGD-CS were evaluated using an infrared spectrometer and an elemental analyzer. The shape of this complex was then assessed by gel electrophoresis combined with atomic force microscopy. The grafting effect of this complex on the titanium surface was detected by EB staining.

RESULTSCS and RGD peptides were coupled by an amide bond. The RGD-CS/pDNA complex was completely composited at N/P > or = 2. Atomic force microscopy results showed that the morphology of this complex was mainly spherical. EB staining experiments showed that this complex was successfully grafted on the titanium plate.

CONCLUSIONRGD peptide-modified CS can be used as a titanium implant surface plasmid package carrier of pDNA.