Chapter 17 - Surface Modifications of Biomaterials and Their Implication on Biocompatibility

Abstract

Biomaterials are engineered to meet medical (treat, augment, repair, or replace a tissue function of the body), diagnostic, as well as theranostic needs. In particular, the surface properties of biomaterials, which govern their biocompatibility with biological systems, is a major prerequisite toward using them for their biomedical or pharmaceutical applications. Surface modification of biomaterial helps to tailor the physicochemical behavior, interaction attributes, structural properties, etc., which helps to significantly improve its biocompatibility as well as render it suitable for biomedical applications. Several physical and chemical surface modification approaches have been adapted to utilize the biomaterial under biological environment without notable incompatibility issues. This chapter also discusses the implications of surface modifications of biomaterials on their interactions with the biological host system.