Biologically modified polymeric biomaterial surfaces: introduction.

Synthetic polymers are the most diverse class of biomaterials. As with all other biomaterials, they must meet certain criteria depending on the intended medical application. Biocompatibility is one of the basic criteria for selection of a particular biomaterial. Biomaterial surfaces are believed to play an important role in determining their biocompatibilities. The study of the surface properties of biomaterials, and also interactions between the biomaterial and the living system interface are fundamental to define the behavior of the biomaterial in the biological environment, and therefore to evaluate accurately the biocompatibility of a new biomaterial. Surfaces of polymeric biomaterials may be modified by using a variety of biological entities (e.g. proteins and cells) not only to increase their biocompatibilities but also to add a functionality to the respective surfaces. I intended to highlight the topics which are discussed in depth in the other chapters of this volume.