Chapter 5 - Surface properties and treatments

Abstract

Surfaces are the interfaces through which devices interact with the external environment. They are separation elements where sets of atoms or molecules are organized in an interface, a discontinuity with a high level of energy, which can decrease through an optimal arrangement of the superficial molecules in function of the surrounding environment. Surface characteristics, topography, mechanical properties, and surface energy density together with adhesive and antifouling properties of a surface are essential in understanding how a substrate can direct cell adhesion, migration, or clustering. Suitable selection of bulk materials, combined with a specific superficial modification strategy, allows to obtain optimal conditions in terms of biocompatibility and functioning of the device. Physical, chemical, and topographical surface modification methods can be differentially utilized on the basis of the specific material surface (metals, polymers, ceramics, and glasses).