Strategies for Functionalization of Metallic Surfaces with Bioactive Peptides: a Mini Review

The literature is rich in research that seeks strategies capable of improving the antimicrobial activity, antibiofilm and tissue interaction of metallic materials for biomedical purposes. Bioactive peptides appear as good candidates in the development of new biomaterials, since they are short molecules that have a wide range of biological activities. However, their use can be difficult given the susceptibility to degradation associated with the environment in which they interact. As a consequence, choosing the appropriate immobilization methodology is crucial to ensure the effectiveness of a biomaterial. Here we consider works published in indexed journals from the 1990s to the present to present a mini methodological review on the strategies to carry out modifications of metallic surfaces with bioactive peptides, their advantages and disadvantages. It was possible to verify the recurrent use of metallic materials such as titanium, cobalt, chromium and stainless steels for a multitude of applications in the biomedical area. With regard to bioactive peptides, the interest in those capable of increasing osseointegration and in those that can confer antimicrobial action and/or anti-biofilm formation is notable. Despite this, advances regarding the mechanism of action of immobilized peptides and their impact on the corrosion properties of materials are still needed.