Synthesis, characterization, and biocompatibility of a novel biomimetic material based on MGF‐Ct24E modified poly(D, L‐lactic acid)

Abstract Mechano‐growth factor (MGF) is an alternative splicing variant of Insulin‐like growth factor I. MGF and its 24 amino acid peptide analog corresponding to the unique C‐terminal E‐domain (MGF‐Ct24E) are the positive regulator for tissue regenesis in bone. A novel biomimetic poly(D, L‐lactic acid) (PDLLA) modification was designed and synthesized based on MGF‐Ct24E grafted maleic anhydride modified PDLLA (MPLA). MGF‐Ct24Es were grafted into the side chain of MPLA via a stable covalent amide bond using 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethyllaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride and N‐hydroxysuccinimide as the condensing agent to produce biomimetic MPLA materials (MGF‐Ct24E‐MPLA). Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, amino acid analyzer, and elementary analysis were used to characterize the MGF‐Ct24E‐MPLA. The hydrophilicity of MGF‐Ct24E‐MPLA was evaluated by means of the water‐uptake ratios and static water contact angle. Data revealed that the grafting efficiency of MGF‐Ct24E was about 29.9%. MGF‐Ct24E‐MPLA had better hydrophilicity than PDLLA and MPLA. The osteoblasts behavior of proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization on PDLLA, MPLA, and MGF‐Ct24E‐MPLA films was investigated and the results indicated that the introduction of MGF‐Ct24E could improve osteoblasts proliferation, mineralization, and delay differentiation. The MGF‐Ct24E modified MPLA with higher bioactivity may have potential application for bone tissue engineering. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A:3496–3502, 2012.