Overview on cell-biomaterial interactions

Abstract

Biomaterials, a name given to express materials used as medical implants, indwelling devices, extracorporeal ones and other categories in several medical fields, have increasingly played a significant role when aiming at improving the quality of life in humans. The behavior of a biomaterial with the surrounding physiologic environment is of major relevance for determining the in vivo performance and host acceptance of any device. Indeed, the biocompatibility and bio-functionality of implantable devices remains a serious challenge in establishing the devices function and lifetime. Several research efforts have been conducted to further understand and control the interactions between biomaterials and cell-mediated processes, aiming at the definition of the main guidelines that regulate materials biocompatibility. Several criteria should be met when considering a biomaterial for a specific application. On the materials perspective, its composition, mechanical, physicochemical, thermal, electrical properties must be well understood. In parallel, knowledge on the cell-biomaterial interaction mechanisms (including specific adhesion proteins and cell receptors, signal transduction, cell differentiation, tissue development, host immune response mechanisms, to name a few processes) must be attained, to better characterize, follow up and control cell-biomaterial interactions. This review attempts to define the basic phenomenon that take place when a biomaterial comes into contact with host living tissues. Numerous strategies have been investigated to overcome body reactions induced by the implantation of devices. These strategies, their advantages and limitations, along with the fundamentals underlying biomaterials-tissue interactions and current research on biomaterial surface modification are discussed. Besides, the use of polymeric biomaterials for use in age-related macular degeneration will be presented as a case study.