Abstract
Through the recombinant DNA technology, it is possible to create artificial extracellular matrix (aECM) proteins with domains chosen to modulate cellular behaviors. In this study, we constructed three aECM proteins containing both heparin-binding and RGD-containing domains (387RGDS, Tri-FN10, and TNC-FN3) produced in Escherichia coli. Promotion of MG-63 cell attachment and growth in two-dimensional (2D) cultures (tissue culture plate, polycaprolactone membrane) and 3D cultures (Cytodex 1 and Plastic Plus microcarriers) were demonstrated on these three aECM protein-coated surfaces. These three aECM proteins improved MG-63 cell attachment and growth in the order TNC-FN3 > Tri-FN10 > 387RGDS in both 2D and 3D cultures. This study is the first report of the construction of aECM proteins that contain both heparin-binding and RGD-containing domains used in osteoblast tissue engineering applications. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.