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Improving Biocompatibility of Implantable Metals by Nanoscale Modification of Surfaces: An Overview of Strategies, Fabrication Methods, and Challenges
Author(s) -
Variola Fabio,
Vetrone Fiorenzo,
Richert Ludovic,
Jedrzejowski Pawel,
Yi JiHyun,
Zalzal Sylvia,
Clair Sylvain,
Sarkissian Andranik,
Perepichka Dmitrii F.,
Wuest James D.,
Rosei Federico,
Nanci Antonio
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
small
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.785
H-Index - 236
eISSN - 1613-6829
pISSN - 1613-6810
DOI - 10.1002/smll.200801186
Subject(s) - nanotechnology , biocompatible material , nanoscopic scale , biocompatibility , materials science , human health , multidisciplinary approach , computer science , engineering , biomedical engineering , medicine , social science , environmental health , sociology , metallurgy
The human body is an intricate biochemical–mechanical system, with an exceedingly precise hierarchical organization in which all components work together in harmony across a wide range of dimensions. Many fundamental biological processes take place at surfaces and interfaces (e.g., cell–matrix interactions), and these occur on the nanoscale. For this reason, current health‐related research is actively following a biomimetic approach in learning how to create new biocompatible materials with nanostructured features. The ultimate aim is to reproduce and enhance the natural nanoscale elements present in the human body and to thereby develop new materials with improved biological activities. Progress in this area requires a multidisciplinary effort at the interface of biology, physics, and chemistry. In this Review, the major techniques that have been adopted to yield novel nanostructured versions of familiar biomaterials, focusing particularly on metals, are presented and the way in which nanometric surface cues can beneficially guide biological processes, exerting influence on cellular behavior, is illustrated. Frontispiece adapted from Reference 94.