Fundamentals of protein and cell interactions in biomaterials

Protein adsorption is the first process that occurs after implantation of a biomaterial in the human body. This process changes the properties of the surface and can induce structural alterations on the adsorbed/desorbed proteins. Cell-biomaterial interactions are mediated by the type and conformation of the adsorbed proteins that can interact with specific integrins expressed by the cells. These phenomena can be strongly influenced by adsorption of water molecules, a process that is dependent on the surface composition of the biomaterial. In this chapter, fundamentals of protein adsorption, protein conformation, and techniques for protein adsorption quantification will be described. The importance of the adsorbed protein layer on cell adhesion, activation, and wound healing responses will also be discussed.