Surface Modification for Biocompatibility

The principal motivation behind surface engineering and modification for improved biocompatibility of a biomaterial is to control interactions of the biomaterial with components of living systems or subsets thereof in a manner that mimics the normal physiological state or produces a desired change in biological state. This pursuit of biomimicry is discussed in this chapter within the context of the core mechanisms of the biological response to materials. A tutorial on surfaces, interfaces, and interphases leads to the identification of specific targets for surface engineering and modification. These targets include water wettability (surface energy), surface chemistry, surface chemical patterns and surface textures, and surface presentation of biomimetic motifs. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the essential conceptual tools required for building a biomaterials surface science laboratory, illustrated with an example of modifying surfaces for improved cardiovascular biomaterials.