A critical-size bone defect cannot repair itself. These defects are presently filled by bone grafts or with biomaterials that mimic bone properties. The activity of bone cells is modulated by cytokines like the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). This review described the peptides derived from BMPs or extracellular matrix proteins which can be immobilised on biomaterials to increase their action on bone cells and promote healing. However, the development of such materials requires peptides that can act in synergy. This requires the use of model surfaces to better understand how cells perceive biomaterials.