Synthesis and Surface Functionalization of Nanostructured Biomaterials

Nanostructured biomaterials are finding their way into medicine, pharmaceutics and medical technology. Synthesis and processing parameters play a vital role in the creation of a biomaterial with the desired nanostructure. Especially in the development of nanostructured organic (polymers, hydrogel), inorganic (Au, SiO2, ZnO, Fe3O4 and hydroxyapatite) as well as organic–inorganic hybrid biomaterials, the interface properties contribute decisively to the performance of the material. To achieve higher therapeutic efficacy, it is important to realize the relations of biomaterials with the biological structures (physical, chemical and biological characteristics). Thus, the designing of efficient modern biomaterials needs their surface to be modified with desired biocompatible molecules. Further, the conjugation of specific functional moieties on biomaterial surfaces offers stimuli-responsive shell that is vulnerable to exterior factors like pH, temperature and ionic strength. These surface-functionalized nanostructures act as smart carrier material for therapeutic agents such as drugs and biomolecules since they are small enough to evade their uptake by macrophage and offer enhanced absorption, retention and bioavailability of therapeutic agents. They can also be conjugated with receptors and imaging probes for cell-specific targeting as well as cellular imaging at the molecular level. In addition to therapeutic applications, these surface-functionalized biomaterials have tremendous applications in diagnosis, tissue engineering, and medical implants and devices.