Functionalization of Biomaterials

Abstract

In order to improve the tissue integration and subsequently the long-term maintenance, the implant surface can be modified by mechanical, physical, chemical or biological functionalization. In this way, the surface becomes biologically active by further grafting of biomolecules. Two principal concepts are considered for materials functionalization. (i) The Drug Delivery Systems (DDS) where the bioactive molecules goes to the target. (ii) The grafting of the bioactive compounds on small strongly bound spacer molecules. In this system, the target goes to the bioactive molecules. These techniques provide promising outlooks for any polymeric or ceramic scaffold used in tissue engineering for the construction of whole artificial and functional organs.

Surface Functionalization of Alumina Ceramic Foams with Organic Ligands

“…Even when uniform initial seeding is achieved, the cells within the scaffold might either die or migrate toward the periphery of the scaffold to be exposed to higher levels of oxygen and nutrients unless a vascularised system is also present within the scaffold to ensure the cells needs . Angiogenesis for the vascularisation of the new graft can be promoted by the presence of progenitor cells (e.g., human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) ,, and/or bioactive molecules (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)) ,,,, that could be covalently attached to the ceramic through a small spacer molecule …”

Biofunctional Nanofibrous Substrate Comprising Immobilized Antibodies and Selective Binding of Autologous Growth Factors

“…The biofunctionalization of surfaces has gained special interest because of the need to optimize the biological integration of implantable medical devices . Of particular interest is the immobilization of antibodies, because of their highly specific interaction with their ligand molecules, to produce a more efficient and irreversible attachment of the target protein/ligand.…”

“…The biofunctionalization of surfaces has gained special interest because of the need to optimize the biological integration of implantable medical devices. 1 Of particular interest is the immobilization of antibodies, because of their highly specific interaction with their ligand molecules, to produce a more efficient and irreversible attachment of the target protein/ ligand. Protein immobilization requires that the substrate should provide a biocompatible and bioactive environment, as it should interact positively with the native structure of the proteins and biomolecules.…”