Biointerface technology

Abstract

The application of biomaterials to regenerate tissues requires research of the interface between the synthetic material and the living tissue. Because biomaterials represent a synthetic extracellular matrix that controls the cell biology by mechanism of cell adhesion, basic mechanisms of cell adhesion are addressed. The technology of designing instructive materials involves chemical modifications by grafting of chemical groups, adhesion ligands and growth factors. Physical characteristics of the materials are created by modifications of the surfaces structure and stiffness of the material. Because stem cells have emerged as promising cells to address the challenge of tissue regeneration the control of stem cells by the characteristics of materials is discussed. Insights into the mechanisms at the biointerface that are involved in the regulation of stem cells by materials will advance the development of innovative biomaterials in regenerative medicine. Another challenge in designing surfaces of medical implants is the prevention of infections due to a bacterial biofilm. Antimicrobial strategies involve both chemical and physical characteristics of the material surface.