PURBANCHAL UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

COLLEGE OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING AND APPLIED

SCIENCES

A Paper On

Controlling, Manipulating the Material/Host Interaction by Changing Material,

Chemistry i.e. Surface Charge, Physical Properties eg. Shape, Topography, Porosity and
Others

Submitted by: Pratikshya Budhathoki Submitted to : Dr. Alaka Acharya

Roll No: A(22)

Date Of Submission: June 4, 2023

Abstract
The control and modulation of material/host interactions through the manipulation of
physical and chemical properties of biomaterials have transformative implications across
numerous scientific and technical disciplines. By precisely modifying the surface properties
of biomaterials, researchers can enhance biocompatibility, functionality, and performance.
This abstract highlights the importance of surface modification techniques in tailoring
biomaterial behavior, such as adjusting surface roughness, topography, porosity, mechanical
properties, surface chemistry, biomolecular recognition, and other chemical characteristics.
These advancements have the potential to revolutionize fields such as tissue engineering,
regenerative medicine, drug delivery, and medical device development, ultimately leading to
improved patient outcomes and quality of life.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 1
2 Host response to biomaterial .................................................................................................. 2

2.1 Acute inflammatory response .......................................................................................... 2

2.2 Chronic inflammatory response ...................................................................................... 2

2.3 Foreign body reaction...................................................................................................... 2

3.Surface modification .............................................................................................................. 3

4 Materials and methods of surface modification ..................................................................... 4

4.1 Sol-gel ............................................................................................................................. 4

4.2 Chemical Vapor Deposition ............................................................................................ 5

4.3 Physical Vapor Decomposition (PVD) ............................................................................ 6

4.4 Glow discharge plasma treatment ................................................................................... 6

5 Properties involved during host/material interaction ............................................................. 7

5.1 Physical properties .......................................................................................................... 7

5.2 Chemical properties......................................................................................................... 9

6 Application of surface modification on biomaterial ............................................................ 10

7 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................... 12

8 Reference ............................................................................................................................. 13
Table of figures

Figure 1:Diagram of surface modification on biomaterial ....................................................... 3

Figure 2:Schematic diagram of sol-gel processing ................................................................... 5
Figure 3:Typical setup for CVD ............................................................................................... 6
Figure 4:Schematic illustration of the physical vapor deposition process ................................ 6
Figure 5:schematic diagram showing the glow discharge plasma ............................................ 7
1 Introduction
The control and modulation of material/host interactions through physical and chemical properties
is a rapidly growing area with huge implications across numerous disciplines. By exploiting the
power to adjust the physical and chemical features of materials, researchers may exert precise
control over their behavior when interacting with host environments. These interactions play a key
role in a wide range of applications, including biomedical engineering, environmental research,
and material science. This branch of research addresses the tactics and procedures applied to adjust
the physical and chemical properties of materials to accomplish desired outcomes, such as
improved biocompatibility, greater functionality, and optimized performance. Through an in-depth
investigation of these methodologies, we obtain significant insights into how controlling and
altering material/host interactions might change different sectors and pave. The ability to control
and manipulate material/host interactions through physical and chemical properties is a topic of
major interest and importance in numerous scientific and technical disciplines. By modifying the
physical and chemical properties of materials, researchers and engineers can impact the behavior
and performance of materials while interacting with their host environments. These interactions
have far-reaching ramifications, from healthcare applications such as implantable devices and
medication delivery systems to environmental technologies such as water treatment and pollution
remediation. This introduction lays the foundation for investigating how the modulation of
physical and chemical properties provides precise control over material/host interactions, resulting
to increased functionality, enhanced biocompatibility, and optimum performance in varied
applications.

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2 Host Response to Biomaterial
The body's response to the implantation or introduction of a foreign substance into it is referred to
as the "host response to biomaterials"[1]. The host reaction is a critical factor in deciding whether
biomaterial integration in medical devices, implants, or tissue engineering applications is
successful or not. The host reaction can be broken down into the following stages[2].

2.1 Acute Inflammatory Response

The initial response of the host is an acute inflammatory reaction. The innate immune system
recognizes the presence of the biomaterial as foreign and triggers an inflammatory response. Cells
such as neutrophils and macrophages are recruited to the site of implantation to remove debris and
potentially harmful microorganisms.

2.2 Chronic Inflammatory Response

The chronic inflammatory response follows the acute phase and involves the activation of
macrophages and foreign body giant cells. These cells attempt to degrade and remove the
biomaterial through phagocytosis. In some cases, this chronic inflammation can lead to the
formation of a fibrous capsule around the biomaterial, which may impair its functionality.

2.3 Foreign Body Reaction

The foreign body reaction is characterized by the encapsulation of the biomaterial with fibrous
tissue. Fibroblasts produce collagen fibers, leading to the formation of a fibrous capsule around
the biomaterial[3]. The thickness and composition of the fibrous capsule can vary depending on
factors such as biomaterial properties, implantation site, and host characteristics. Over time, the
host may attempt to integrate the biomaterial with the surrounding tissue. This can involve the
recruitment of cells such as endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and osteoblasts to promote tissue growth
and vascularization around the biomaterial[4].The host response to biomaterials is influenced by
various factors, including the physicochemical properties of the biomaterial (e.g., surface
chemistry, topography, mechanical properties), the implantation site, the duration of implantation,
and the immune characteristics of the individual[3].Understanding and controlling the host
response is crucial for the design and development of biomaterials that can promote successful
integration, minimize adverse reactions, and enhance the performance of medical devices and
implants.

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3.Surface Modification
Biomaterials that are used in manufacturing various things i.e., implants, prosthetics, drugs, etc.
are of different types. Same biomaterials can be used for manufacturing different things but it will
display different kind of reaction according to the environment they will placed[2]. Each
biomaterial will show different kinds of compatibility with the environment inside body. So,
according to the requirement of the environment, they need to have certain properties. In scientific
terms, biocompatibility is required. Biocompatibility is a general term describing the property of
a material being compatible with living tissue. To attend biocompatibility of the materials, surface
modification is required[1]. Surface modification in general means modifying the surface of the
materials by changing its properties. This helps the developer to maximize the performance of the
biomaterial system. Each and every biomaterial have two types of properties i.e., bulk and surface
properties. Among these two properties the foremost important properties in biomaterials are
surface properties. Surface properties simply means the properties of the surface of any materials.
These surface properties include roughness, patterns, wettability, surface mobility, etc. To make
surface of the implant biocompatible modification of these properties are required. Surface
modification is the act of modifying the surface of a material by bringing physical, chemical or
biological characteristics different from the ones originally found on the surface of material. Some
of the methods of surface modification are sol-gel, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor
deposition, glow discharge plasma treatment[2].

Figure 1:Diagram of surface modification on biomaterial

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4 Materials and Methods of Surface Modification
The numerous techniques, including the contact angle method, secondary ions mass spectroscopy
(SIMS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis
(ESCA), attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (ATR), and others, can be used to
measure the surface properties of a biomaterial [2]. These techniques can be used to gather
biomaterial/host interaction important knowledge about biomaterial tools that can be utilized to
investigate how biological systems interact with living systems[5].

The initial reaction that occurs after an implant is inserted into the body is a reaction between
bodily fluid and the implant's surface. Therefore, surface modification is necessary for the
implant's surface to respond as needed. The processes are described in more detail below.

4.1 Sol-gel
Sol-gel consists of two terms, sol and gel. A sol can be defined as a colloidal suspension of very
small solid particles in a continuous liquid. Gel can be defined as a substance that contains a
continuous solid skeleton a surrounding liquid phase. The two different techniques that are usually
used to carry out the sol gel process (i) spin coating technique and (ii) dip coating technique. In
spin coating technique the specimens are rotate to spread the coating solution on the substrate by
using centrifugal force where in dip coating specimens are dipped or submerged in the titanium
substrate with high adhesion and good bioactivity. And it is reported that plasma spray method
results for chemical inhomogeneity and low crystallinity of HA coating on titanium alloys. In
contrast, sol-gel technique produces high crystalline HA microstructure and better chemical
homogeneity due to of its ability to mix the calcium and phosphorus precursors at molecular-level.
They also found that atomic diffusion accelerated when increasing the calcining temperature or
prolong the calcining time. Other advantages of sol-gel method in comparison with other
conventional thin layer oxidation processes are low densification temperature and better control of
the homogeneity, chemical composition and crystalline structure of the thin coating, iii) Cost
effective and less complicated equipment [5].

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 Figure 2:Schematic diagram of sol-gel processing

4.2 Chemical Vapor Deposition

Chemical vapor deposition is a process by which a thin film is deposited on a substrate by chemical
reaction in a gas at an elevated temperature [6]. It was first used for hard coatings (cutting tools
etc.) Before the years, it has become very popular of its versatility, speed of deposition, and their
excellent coverage. It can be used for metal, semiconductor, and insulating films. The formation
of the deposited film can be monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or amorphous. It involves the
dissociation and chemical reaction of gaseous reactants in an activated heat, light, plasma which
is followed by the formation of a stable solid product[6]. The lattice structures depend primarily
on the substrate, the reaction rate, and the temperature. CVD is the preferred method to deposit
polycrystalline silicon, as well as various types of oxide films used for isolation of the interconnect
layers. These interlayer dielectrics are grown by CVD at low pressure (LPCVD). Thin metallic
layers such as titanium nitride (TiN), which are used as seed layers for copper electroplating or as
a seal between the interlayer dielectrics, are also deposited by CVD.

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 Figure 3:Typical setup for CVD

4.3 Physical Vapor Decomposition (PVD)

PVD is based on separating atoms from surfaces and accumulating atomic or ionic them to sub
material surface to be coated, by or evaporating or sloping materials under vacuum. Coating
material in PVD method is transmitted to surface in atomic, molecular or ionic form which is not
chemically but it is physically from solid, liquid and gas source. Chemical reactions can exist on
main material surface that is too colder than CVD coating (50500 °C) however, such formation of
reaction is not necessary. It is more interesting because of PVD operation that is performed in
relatively lower temperature[3]. In addition, after completion of coating micro structure, the
properties of main material are not affected. PVD Method is carried out by three methods called
as evaporating, dispersion and ionic coating [4].

Figure 4:Schematic illustration of the physical vapor deposition process

4.4 Glow Discharge Plasma Treatment

Glow discharge plasma treatment is frequently used method for cleaning, preparation,
modification of biomaterial and implant surfaces[7]. The advantages of such treatments are:
strongly dependent on the process parameters. In the present work the possibilities, limitations,

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and risks of plasma treatment for surface preparation of metallic materials are investigated
experimentally using titanium as a model system, and it is also discussed in more general terms.
Samples were treated by different low-pressure direct current plasmas and analyzed using Auger
electron spectroscopy (AES), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy,
scanning electron microscopy, and light microscopy. The plasma system is a home-built, ultra-
high vacuum-compatible system that allows sample introduction via a load-lock, and precise
control of pressure, gas composition and flow rate, etc. This allows uniform treatment cylindrical
and screw shaped samples [8].With an appropriate plasma parameter, argon plasma removes all
chemical traces from former treatments in effect producing cleaner and more well-controlled
surfaces than with conventional preparation methods. Removal rates up to 30 nm/min are possible
[3].

Figure 5:schematic diagram showing the glow discharge plasma

5 Properties Involved During Host/material Interaction

5.1 Physical Properties
Controlling and manipulating the host/biomaterial interaction by altering physical properties is a
powerful strategy that enables tailored functionality and improved performance[9]. The following
points highlight key physical properties that can be modified to achieve desired effects:

• Surface Roughness: Modifying the surface roughness of a biomaterial can influence cellular
behavior, such as adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. By controlling the roughness at
the micro or nano-scale, surface modifications can enhance tissue integration, promote cell
alignment, and modulate cell signaling pathways.

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• Surface Topography: Manipulating the surface topography of biomaterials can have profound
effects on cell adhesion, migration, and tissue growth. Textured surfaces with defined patterns
or features can mimic the natural extracellular matrix, facilitating cell-surface interactions and
guiding tissue regeneration.
• Porosity: Altering the porosity of biomaterials can impact their permeability, diffusion rates,
and cellular infiltration. Controlled pore size and distribution allow for the precise regulation
of nutrient and oxygen transport, facilitating tissue regeneration and engineering.
• Mechanical Properties: Changing the mechanical properties, such as stiffness or elasticity, of
biomaterials can significantly influence their behavior and response in the host environment.
Biomaterials with tunable mechanical properties can better match the mechanical cues of
native tissues, promoting appropriate cell signaling, and improving integration and
functionality.
• Surface Energy: Adjusting the surface energy of a biomaterial can influence its wetting
behavior and interactions with surrounding fluids or tissues. By modifying the surface energy,
surface modifications can control protein adsorption, cell attachment, and bacterial adhesion,
leading to improved biocompatibility and reduced risk of infection.
• Surface Charge: Modulating the surface charge of biomaterials affects their interaction with
charged molecules, proteins, and cells. By changing the surface charge through chemical
modifications, biomaterials can be tailored to promote or inhibit specific cellular responses,
enhance drug delivery, or prevent unwanted interactions.
• Optical Properties: Altering the optical properties of biomaterials, such as absorption,
scattering, or fluorescence, can enable applications in imaging, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
Surface modifications can introduce optical probes, nanoparticles, or dyes, allowing for
targeted imaging or controlled light-based therapies.
• Thermal Conductivity: Changing the thermal conductivity of biomaterials can be crucial in
applications such as thermal therapy, biosensors, or thermal management in medical devices.
Surface modifications can introduce thermally conductive coatings or materials to enhance or
control heat transfer.

By selectively modifying these physical properties, biomaterials can be precisely tailored to suit
specific applications, improving their performance, functionality, and biocompatibility. These

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surface modifications have the potential to revolutionize field such as tissue engineering,
regenerative medicine, drug delivery, and medical device development, ultimately leading to better
patient outcomes and quality of life.

5.2 Chemical Properties

A change in the chemical characteristics can also be used to control and manipulate
host/biomaterial interactions. The following are important chemical characteristics that can be
changed to affect how well biomaterials behave and function:

• Surface Chemistry: Adding or changing chemical groups to a biomaterial's surface results in

surface chemistry changes. Surface functionalization, grafting, or coating procedures can be
used to achieve this. Biomaterials can display many chemical capabilities by adjusting their
surface chemistry, which can affect how they interact with biological molecules, cells, and
tissues.
• Biomolecular Recognition: Surface alterations can add certain biomolecular recognition
components to the surface of biomaterials, such as antibodies, peptides, or aptamers. To enable
biosensing, targeted medication administration, or biomolecular interactions, these recognition
elements can bind to target molecules with specificity.
• Hydrophilicity/Hydrophobicity: Surface modification techniques can be used to modify the
hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity of a biomaterial's surface. This may alter wettability and
surface energy as well as the adsorption of proteins, cells, and other biomolecules.
• Bioactive Molecules: By altering the surface of the biomaterial, bioactive molecules can be
included. These compounds may be cytokines, antimicrobials, growth factors, or other
signaling molecules. Surface alterations can improve cellular responses, tissue regeneration,
and antibacterial capabilities by adding bioactive chemicals.
• Drug Delivery: Surface alterations may make it possible to distribute drugs precisely where
they are needed. Biomaterials can release therapeutic agents at particular rates and locations
by integrating drug molecules or creating coatings that elute drugs, maximizing the therapeutic
effect while reducing adverse effects.
• Surface Charge: Surface modification procedures can change a biomaterial's surface charge,
which can affect how it interacts with charged chemicals, cells, and tissues. This includes

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 altering the charge density, adding functional groups that are charged, or generating charge
gradients on the surface of the material.
• Degradation Rate: Surface alterations can regulate how quickly biomaterials deteriorate.
Biomaterials can be made to disintegrate at specified rates that correspond
• to the intended tissue repair or regeneration process by modifying their chemical makeup or
adding degradable component.
• Anti-fouling and anti-bacterial qualities can be added to surfaces by surface modifications in
the form of coatings or functional groups. These alterations can lessen the possibility of
infection or biofouling by preventing the attachment and growth of bacteria or other microbes
on the biomaterial's surface.
• Surface alterations provide a potent tool for designing biomaterials to accomplish desired
interactions with host environments by changing these chemical properties, opening up
applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, biosensing, and other biomedical domains[6].

6 Application of Surface Modification on Biomaterial

Surface modification of biomaterials plays a crucial role in various applications, enhancing their
biocompatibility, functionality, and performance. Here are some Surface key applications of
surface modification on biomaterials[5]:

• Biomedical Implants: Surface modification techniques can improve the biocompatibility of

implants, such as orthopedic implants, dental implants, and cardiovascular stents. Functional
coatings can be applied to enhance cell adhesion, promote osseointegration, reduce
inflammation, prevent bacterial adhesion, and improve the long-term performance of the
implant.
• Tissue Engineering: Biomaterials used in tissue engineering applications often require surface
modifications to mimic the natural extracellular matrix and promote cell attachment,
proliferation, and differentiation. Surface modifications can include the incorporation of
bioactive molecules, such as growth factors or cell-adhesive peptides, or the use of
micro/nanostructured surfaces to guide cell behavior and tissue regeneration.
• Biosensors and Diagnostics: Surface modification plays a crucial role in the development of
biosensors for detecting biomolecules and diagnosing diseases. By modifying the surface of
electrodes, nanoparticles, or microarrays with specific biomolecular recognition elements (e.g.,
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 antibodies, aptamers, or enzymes), the sensitivity, selectivity, and stability of the biosensor can
be improved, enabling accurate detection of target analytes.

These applications highlight the versatility and importance of surface modification techniques in
optimizing the properties and performance of biomaterials for various biomedical, diagnostic, and
biotechnological applications[6].

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7 Conclusion
In summary, the control and modulation of material/host interactions through physical and
chemical properties have significant implications across various disciplines. Surface modification
techniques allow for precise control over biomaterial behavior, enhancing biocompatibility,
functionality, and performance. By manipulating physical properties such as surface roughness,
topography, porosity, and mechanical properties, as well as chemical characteristics such as surf
ace chemistry and biomolecular recognition, researchers can tailor biomaterials to specific
applications. These advancements have the potential to revolutionize fields such as tissue
engineering, regenerative medicine, and drug delivery, ultimately improving patient outcomes and
quality of life.

In conclusion, the ability to control material/host interactions through surface modification opens
up new possibilities for innovation and advancement. By adjusting physical and chemical
properties, researchers can enhance tissue integration, guide cell behavior, regulate drug delivery,
and prevent infections. The precise tailoring of biomaterials through surface modifications has far-
reaching implications for various scientific and technical disciplines, paving the way for improved
biomedical applications and ultimately benefiting patients in diverse healthcare settings.

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