Study of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) as anchoring unit to functionalize biomaterials

Abstract

This project aims at studying and comparing the efficiency and stability of the binding of a model peptide to a diverse range of biomaterials using L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) which contains catechol groups, as anchoring unit. The capacity of DOPA to bind to metallic biomaterials such as titanium is well described; however, the binding to other types of materials, i.e. ceramics and polymers, needs to be explored. In particular, the functionalization of alpha-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP), polymethylpentene or poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) (PMP), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), chitosan and alginate will be studied.