Biomaterial-related approaches: Surface structuring

Engineering the surface of materials to promote cell adhesion and direct cellular behaviour is vital for the development of materials capable of restoring, replacing and/or enhancing tissue function. Cells are inherently sensitive to physical, biochemical and chemical stimuli from their surroundings. In vivo, the local cell environment or niche provides specific environmental cues that determine cell-specific recruitment, migration, proliferation, differentiation and the production of the numerous proteins needed for hierarchical tissue organisation. However, when cells are cultured in vitro or when materials are implanted into the body, cells encounter very different, unfamiliar surfaces and environments (Figs. 35.1 and 35.2). This chapter will introduce various approaches to modifying these unfamiliar material surfaces to promote desirable cell responses. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.