title: Biomolecular modification of implant surfaces.
abstract: In this review, surface modification of implant devices by immobilization of biological molecules is discussed. A brief introduction to the development of biomolecular surface science is presented, followed by a review of current activities in selected fields. Bone-contacting devices and some cardiovascular implant devices are reviewed as paradigmatic examples of research that is currently taking place. Advances in the basic fields of cell and tissue biology, in addition to concurrent developments in surface science tools, suggest that 'peri-implant biologics', or the control and direction of the host response at the implant-tissue interface by implant-surface-linked biomolecules, could be a major area of growth in the medical devices field in the next few years.
authors.affiliation: Nobil Bio Ricerche srl, Strada San Rocco 36, 14018 Villafranca d'Asti, Italy. mmorra@nobilbio.it
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Morra
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000737:chemistry*; D015921:Dental Implants; D006801:Humans; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices; D011817:Rabbits; D015607:Stents; D013499:Surface Properties; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D015921:Dental Implants; D014025:Titanium