Surface engineering and modification of biomaterials

Surface engineering using plasma, grafting, and related techniques is an important area in biomaterials research and biomedical engineering. The burgeoning technology enables the modification of selected surface characteristics while the favorable bulk materials properties can be retained. In this invited mini-review, recent work related to surface modification of biomaterials by plasma-based and related techniques conducted in the Plasma Laboratory at City University of Hong Kong is described. Examples of new applications include enhancement of antimicrobial properties and cytocompatibility of plasma and surface-treated and nanostructured biomaterials, corrosion resistance of plasma-treated biodegradable metals, as well as targeted drug delivery capability and magnetic properties of surface-modified silica nanospheres and polymeric micelles.

► Recent work done in the Plasma Laboratory at City University of Hong Kong is reviewed. ► Antimicrobial properties and compatibility of surface-treated biomaterials are described. ► Enhancement of corrosion resistance of plasma-treated biodegradable metals is discussed. ► Targeted drug delivery from silica nanospheres and polymeric micelles is demonstrated.