The maltose-binding protein (MBP), which possesses a large number of exposed hydrophobic zones, can be used as a link for the immobilization of growth factors. The amount of immobilized MBP-vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) for polystyrene surface was increased with respect to increasing protein, showing 1019 ng/cm(2) at 100 mu g protein/ml. The phosphorylation of VEGF receptors in the MBP-VEGF stimulated HEK293/KDR cells as depicted from western blot analysis. Cell adhesion to a MBP-VEGF immobilized surface was mediated by the VEGF-VEGFR interaction. These results suggest that MBP-VEGFs are active and a MBP immobilization system can then anchor various bioactive proteins to hydrophobic surfaces.