fibronectincoated

Fibronectin-coated refers to a material surface, scaffold, or device that has a layer of fibronectin applied to its exterior to create a biologically active interface that promotes cell adhesion, spreading, and signaling. Fibronectin is a high‑molecular‑weight extracellular matrix glycoprotein that exists in soluble plasma form and insoluble cellular matrix form. It interacts with cell surface receptors, particularly integrins, through motifs such as RGD (arginine–glycine–aspartic acid) and also binds to collagen and heparin, helping to organize the ECM and transmit mechanical cues to cells.

Coating methods typically involve passive adsorption of fibronectin from solution onto surfaces such as tissue culture plastics, glass, or biomaterials. Concentration ranges commonly used span from roughly 1 to 100 micrograms per milliliter, depending on the desired coating density and cell type. Coatings can be stabilized by covalent attachment or crosslinking, for example using EDC/NHS chemistry, to improve durability under cell culture conditions. The conformation of fibronectin upon adsorption can influence integrin binding and downstream signaling, so coating conditions are often optimized for the intended application.

Applications of fibronectin-coated materials include standard cell culture to promote attachment and spreading, studies of cell adhesion and migration, stem cell differentiation, and tissue engineering scaffolds. In biomaterials and implant research, fibronectin coatings aim to enhance biocompatibility and integration with host tissues. Limitations include batch-to-batch variability of fibronectin preparations, potential changes in activity due to coating or crosslinking, and stabilization challenges for long-term studies. See also extracellular matrix, integrins, and RGD.