Biomaterials have evolved from mere bioinert substrates, required only to passively support cell adhesion and growth, to bioactive cell-instructive surfaces with the capacity to tune cell behavior and dictate cell differentiation. Biofunctionalization stands out as a versatile approach to address such ambitious goal. This strategy relies on the use of cell signaling biomolecules derived from the extracellular matrix and aims to mimic the microenvironment of cell-matrix interactions to harness cell behavior and guide tissue regeneration. In the field of bone tissue engineering, surface functionalization has classically been addressed by using proteins and peptides from the extracellular matrix of bone. However, both approaches are not exempt from limitations, and newer strategies have been proposed as promising alternatives to achieve optimal levels of bone growth and the successful osseointegration of implantable biomaterials. In this regard, integrin selective peptidomimetics and multifunctional systems constitute a new paradigm in surface functionalization. This work will review these strategies, with special emphasis in the concept of multifunctionality.

Peer Reviewed