Porous titanium layer co-immobilized with bone morphogenetic protein-2 and vancomycin for biofunctionalization of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene

[Display omitted] •Porous titanium-coated UHMWPE for joint prostheses were developed via hot-pressing.•BMP-2 and vancomycin were co-functionalized on Ti-coated UHMWPE.•Biofunctionalized UHMWPE promoted cell adhesion and inhibited biofilm formation.•Surface bio-functionalized UHMWPE acetabular cup promoted bone integration in vivo. Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), a common material for artificial joint linings, lacks appropriate bioactivity and antibacterial property, which could lead to prosthetic loosening and infections after surgery. Herein, a biofunctionalized UHMWPE material was developed by constructing a firmly bonded porous titanium layer on UHMWPE surface through hot-pressing. The micron-scale titanium surface was then activated by tannic acid treatment, and co-immobilized with Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 and vancomycin. Scanning electron microscopy, mechanical testing, contact angle measurement, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, and infrared spectrometry confirmed the successful construction of the coatings on UHMWPE without causing obvious oxidative degradation. The biofunctionalized UHMWPE surface significantly promoted cell adhesion and proliferation, and inhibited bacterial formation in vitro and in vivo. A preliminary in vivo study of canine hip replacement showed that the UHMWPE acetabular cup with the coating had good biocompatibility and promoted new bone formation and integration. These findings support the use of biofunctionalized UHMWPE as promising materials for artificial joint prostheses.