7 - Surface nanoengineering for combating biomaterials infections

Abstract

Biomaterials are increasingly being used in modern medicine to enhance patients' well-being. However, the surfaces of these materials are susceptible to bacterial colonization, which may lead to subsequent biofilm formation and infection. This chapter discusses techniques for modifying surfaces of biomaterials to inhibit bacterial attachment and/or growth. These techniques include the modification of surface topographical features on the nanoscale (i.e. nano topography) as well as the functionalization of the surfaces with eluting antibacterial agents, anti-adhesive polymers or immobilized bactericidal moieties.