A supramolecular platform for the introduction of Fc-fusion bioactive proteins on biomaterial surfaces

Bioorthogonal chemistry is an excellent method for functionalization of biomaterials with bioactive molecules, as it allows for decoupling of material processing and bioactivation. Here, we report on a modular system created by means of tetrazine/trans-cyclooctene (Tz/TCO) click chemistry undergoing an inverse electron demand Diels–Alder cycloaddition. A reactive supramolecular surface based on ureido-pyrimidinones (UPy) is generated via a UPy-Tz additive, in order to introduce a versatile TCO-protein G conjugate for immobilization of Fc-fusion proteins. As a model bioactive protein, we introduced Fc-Jagged1, a Notch ligand, to induce Notch signaling activity on the material. Interestingly, HEK293 FLN1 cells expressing the Notch1 receptor were repelled by films modified with TCO-protein G but adhered and spread on functionalized electrospun meshes. This indicates that the material processing method influences the biocompatibility of the postmodification. Notch signaling activity was upregulated 5.6-fold w...