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A secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor-derived small peptide coating on a titanium surface enhances osteoblast adhesion, proliferation, and reduces bacterial adhesion.

SLPI-Derived Peptides Turn Titanium Implants Into Dual-Purpose Surfaces

Sci Rep

by Thepsupa W, Thongjui N, Chouyratchakarn W et al.

“A secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor-derived small peptide coating on a titanium surface enhances osteoblast adhesion, proliferation, and reduces bacterial adhesion. Thepsupa W(1)(2), Thongjui N(1)(2), Chouyratchakarn W(1)(2), Srisopar O(1)(2), Kanthasap K(1)(2), Baipaywad P(1)(2), Jarisarapurin W(1)(2)(3), Jobsri J(4), Supanchart C(1)(5), Kumphune S(6)(7). Author information: (1)Biomedical Engineering and Innovation Research Centre, CMU-BIOPOLIS Building, Chiang Mai University, Mae-Hia District, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand. (2)Biomedical Engineering Institute (BMEI), CMU-BIOPOLIS Building, Chiang Mai University, Mae Hia Campus, Mae Hia Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, , Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand. (3)Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, 50200, Chiang Mai, Thailand. (4)Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand. (5)Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand. (6)Biomedical Engineering and Innovation Research Centre, CMU-BIOPOLIS Building, Chiang Mai University, Mae-Hia District, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand. sarawut.kumphune@cmu.ac.th. (7)Biomedical Engineering Institute (BMEI), CMU-BIOPOLIS Building, Chiang Mai University, Mae Hia Campus, Mae Hia Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, , Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand. sarawut.kumphune@cmu.ac.th. Establishing strong osseointegration and preventing infection are essential for the success of titanium implants. Previous studies demonstrate that the secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor (SLPI) enhances osteoblast adhesion on titanium surfaces, highlighting its potential clinical applications in orthopedics or dental implantation. This study examined SLPI-derived small peptides (SDSPs) as innovative coatings aimed at improving the biological and antibacterial characteristics of titanium (Ti). SDSPs were generated via in silico digestion of human SLPI sequence and subsequently synthesised. In this study, evaluation using the human foetal osteoblasts (hFOB 1.19) revealed that SDSP fragments (P1, P7, P8) notably enhanced cell adhesion by more than 50% in addition to improving spreading and proliferation on Ti surfaces wthout cytotoxic effects. The coatings demonstrated a notable increase in calcium deposition when compared to uncoated Ti. Analysis using XPS and profilometry validated the presence of peptides, and the P7 coating notably enhanced surface hydrophilicity. The anti-bacterial adhesion assays revealed that P7 effectively decreased the presence of both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus on plastic surfaces. Interestingly, P7 fragments effectively prevented the adhesion of Gram-negative Escherichia coli on Ti, in a concentration-dependent manner. The findings indicate that SDSPs, especially P7, have the potential to enhance osteoblast activity while simultaneously decreasing bacterial adherence. This investigation presents initial findings indicating that SDSP-coated titanium may enhance the results of orthopaedic and dental implants. © 2026. The Author(s). Conflict of interest statement: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethical approval: This article does not contain any studies with human or animal participants.”

Titanium implants just got another upgrade. Researchers in Thailand developed a secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI)-derived small peptide coating that makes titanium surfaces more attractive for bone cells—and less appealing for bacteria. The team synthesized SLPI-derived peptides and tested them on titanium, looking for that sweet spot: better osteoblast adhesion, less bacterial growth.

Here’s the big deal: Human fetal osteoblasts stuck to and spread across SDSP-coated titanium up to 50% better than uncoated metal. Proliferation went up, calcium deposition improved, and no toxicity showed up. That’s the holy grail for anyone trying to get bone to fuse with an implant.

Bacterial resistance is where things get even more interesting. The P7 peptide fragment stood out, reducing both E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus adhesion on plastic, and specifically blocking E. coli on titanium in a dose-dependent fashion. The more P7, the less bacteria stuck around.

Key takeaway: SLPI-derived peptide coatings—especially P7—could mean fewer infections and faster bone integration for titanium implants. Not just in research models, but potentially in dental and orthopedic hardware down the line.

If you’re following new approaches to biomaterials, this is a case study in how targeted peptide research can optimize both cell compatibility and microbial resistance. For anyone sourcing peptides to replicate or extend these findings, check out the vendor directory.

The bottom line: Peptide-functionalized titanium is a powerful research direction with clear promise. Expect more teams to try similar coatings as the field pushes for safer, more effective implants.

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A secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor-derived small peptide coating on a titanium surface enhances osteoblast adhesion, proliferation, and reduces bacterial adhesion.

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