This book summarizes a wealth of research on the surface properties of biomaterials, and the way in which biomaterials interact with human tissue — a critical consideration in biomaterials, given the problem of rejection and its basis in interfacial phenomena. Part One of Surfaces and Interfaces for Biomaterials reviews the way in which biomaterial surfaces form, while Part Two discusses methods of measuring, monitoring, and characterizing surface structure and behavior. These are followed by in-vitro and in-vivo studies of the complex interactions between biomaterials and the body. Chapters cover bone and tissue regeneration, the role of interface interactions in biodegradable biomaterials, microbial biofilm formation, vascular tissue engineering, and ways of modifying biomaterial surfaces to improve biocompatibility.

From the Preface: “...Interest in bulk properties has inevitably shifted to the important consideration of the surface with the plethora of allied interfacial phenomena, conditioning clinical outcome. A consideration of the interface goes beyond the realms of an intellectual research exercise given that, even today, implants are better characterised by a bioincompatibility, rather than the hoped for ‘inertness’ of biocompatibility...The rules that govern the complex biological events are yet to be fully worked out, but it is a fair assumption that study of surface chemistry, organisation, topography, mechanics and physics, etc., will repay the effort...”

Target Audience: Biomedical scientists, materials science technologists, and upper-level students who require an understanding of surface processes as related to these fields.

Table of Contents:

Forming Methods:

Fundamental Properties of Surfaces

Control of Polymeric Biomaterial Surfaces

Organic Thin Film Architectures: Fabrication and Properties

Membranes and Permeable Films

Stable Use of Biosensors at the Sample Interface

Micro- and Nanoscale Surface Patterning Techniques for Localising Biomolecules and Cells: The Essence of Nanobiotechnology

Measurement, Monitoring and Characterisation:

Surface Spectroscopies

Surface Microscopies

Nanoindentation

Surface Plasmon Resonance

Ellipsometry for Optical Surface Study Applications

Neutron Reflection

Microgravimetry

Surface Interaction and In-Vitro Studies:

Interaction Between Biomaterials and Cell Tissues

Blood Flow Dynamics and Surface Interactions

Cell Guidance Through Surface Cues

Controlled Cell Deposition Techniques

Biofouling in Membrane Separation Systems

Surface Interactions and In-Vivo Studies:

Bioactive 3D Scaffolds in Regenerative Medicine: The Role of Surface Interactions

Intravascular Drug Delivery Systems and Devices: Interactions at Biointerface

Surface Degradation and Microenvironmental Outcomes

Microbial Biofilms and Clinical Implants

Extracellular Matrix Molecules in Vascular Tissue Engineering

Biomineralisation Processes

On the Topographical Characterisation of Biomaterial Surfaces

Appendices:

Surface Modification of Polymers to Enhance Biocompatibility

Issues Concerning the Use of Assays of Cell Adhesion to Biomaterials

Protein Adsorption to Surfaces and Interfaces

Index