In vitro biocompatibility of MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells on Arg-Gly-Asp acid peptides immobilized graphite-like Carbon coating on Carbon/carbon composites

Carbon/carbon (C/C) composites were deposited with graphite-like carbon (GLC) coating, and then, Arg-Gly-Asp acid (RGD) peptides were successfully immobilized onto the functionalized GLC coating. GLC coating was utilized to prevent carbon particles releasing and create a uniform surface condition for C/C composites. RGD peptides were utilized to improve biocompatibility of GLC coating. Surface chemical characterizations of functionalized GLC coating were detected by contact angle measurement, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectra. Optical morphology of GLC coatings was observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. In vitro biological performance was determined using samples seeded with MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells and cultured for 1 week. Surface characterizations and morphological analysis indicated that C/C composites were covered by a dense and uniform GLC coating. Contact angle of GLC coating was reduced to 27.2° when it was functionalized by H₂O₂ oxidation at 40 °C for 1 h. In vitro cytological test showed that the RGD peptides immobilized GLC coating had a significant improvement in biocompatibility. It was suggested that RGD peptides provided GLC coating with a bioactive surface to improve cell adhesion and proliferation on C/C composites.