Functionalization of Biomaterials

In order to improve the tissue integration and subsequently the long-term maintenance, the implant surface can be modified by mechanical, physical, chemical or biological functionalization. In this way, the surface becomes biologically active by further grafting of biomolecules. Two principal concepts are considered for materials functionalization. (i) The Drug Delivery Systems (DDS) where the bioactive molecules goes to the target. (ii) The grafting of the bioactive compounds on small strongly bound spacer molecules. In this system, the target goes to the bioactive molecules. These techniques provide promising outlooks for any polymeric or ceramic scaffold used in tissue engineering for the construction of whole artificial and functional organs.