Enzyme-assisted calcium phosphate biomineralisation on an inert alumina surface

In this study a bioinspired approach to induce self-mineralization of bone-like material on alumina surfacesis presented. The mineralizing enzyme alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is covalently immobilized by acarbodiimide-mediated chemoligation method. The enzymatic activity of immobilized ALP and its mineralizationcapability are investigated under acellular conditions as well as in the presence of humanbone cells. Analytical, biochemical and immunohistochemical characterization show that ALP is effi-ciently immobilized, retains its activity and can trigger calcium phosphate mineralization on aluminaat acellular conditions. In vitro cell tests demonstrate that ALP-functionalized alumina clearly boostsand enhances bone cell mineralization. Our results underpin the great potential of ALP-functionalizedalumina for the development of bioactive surfaces for applications such as orthopaedic and dentalimplants, enabling a fast and firm implant osseointegration.