Various Techniques to Functionalize Nanofibers

Abstract

Surface properties of a material control cell adhesion, adsorption, wettability, and colloidal stabilization. The surface functionalization of biomaterials or metals improves the biocompatibility and facilitates the cell attachment. It is established that the fabrication of superhydrophilic and superhydrophobic surface is feasible by surface functionalization. Surface-functionalized materials are found to be suitable to enhance cell material interaction. Hence, various surface functionalization methods carried out using procedures which involved covalent and noncovalent bonds are discussed. However, selection of a suitable functionalization and a reagent based upon the surface chemistry of the material is indispensable. This chapter mainly deals with the various surface functionalization techniques and describes the relevant approaches for activating the surface of the fibers. It provides the basic understanding about the selection of suitable reagent based on the available functional groups.