| This thesis is focussed on bone tissue engineering for improving the osseointegration of joint implants. We have incorporated nano-scaled materials called as Rosette Nanotubes (RNTs) which mimic the geometry of the natural components of bone with the growth factor, Bone Morphogenetic Protein-7 (BMP-7). In particular, short peptide sequences were identified from BMP-7 (SNVILKKYRN, KPSSAPTQLN, and KAISVLYFDDS) and were linked with Twin K1 RNTs. The first stage of our study was focused on the purification and characterization of these short peptides co-assembled with RNTs using HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) and their characterization by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) respectively. The Second stage involved cyto-compatibility studies of the RNTs. The third stage involved the adhesion studies of RNTs coated on different substrates. The fourth and final stage was the osteogenic differentiation studies of these materials. Results have shown that the HPLC purification yield was 12-20% and SEM characterization showed the presence of successfully assembled nanotubes. Coating of RNTs on different substrates has shown a significant increase in adhesion of human Bone Marrow Stromal Cells (hBMSCs) on tissue culture treated plates and non-tissue culture treated plates. Moreover, peptide co-assemblies with Twin K1 RNTs have shown a significant increase in specific ALP (Alkaline phosphatase) activity. In summary, Twin K1 RNTs and peptide co-assembled RNTs have shown promising results for improving the cell adhesion on plastic substrates (treated and non-treated plates). Moreover, peptide co-assembled RNTs have shown early signs of osteogenic differentiation. |
