Question

1. Explain why cell-substrate interactions matter in terms of biomaterial choice?

Answer 1

Among the characteristics of the biomaterials: be biocompatible, or biologically acceptable. Thus, in evaluating a material, it is essential to evaluate its biocompatibility and reabsorption capacity, since they remain in contact with living tissues. Therefore, to evaluate a compatible biomaterial, it is necessary to take into account a series of factors:

- The components must be derived from biological sources

- The basic units must be treatable to modify the design and thus achieve specific needs

- Display a controlled degree of material degradation

- Not be cytotoxic

- with properties that promote cell-substrate interactions

- Produce the minimum immune and inflammatory response

- Chemically compatible with aqueous solutions and physiological conditions

- Facilitate tissue growth

- stability in the implanted location for a long period of time to allow tissue repair. This implies minimal inflammatory response and relatively slow degradation.

- characteristics of its surface: roughness, degree of polish, porosity, electric potential, humectation and hydrophobic or hydrophilic behavior, are decisive factors that affect their compatibility and will determine the interaction of the implant with the adjacent cells and its ability to colonize its surface.

- Other structural properties to be considered in the design of biomaterials are porosity, interconnectivity and pore size, as well as anisotropy, permeability and specific surface area. A high porosity and specific surface are essential for the uniformity of cell growth and to achieve an adequate adherence of the newly formed tissues. A high porosity facilitates the accommodation of many cells, as well as the presence of interconnected pores facilitates the uniform distribution of cells and the diffusion of oxygen and nutrients.