Biokompatibilised

Biokompatibilised (also biocompatibilized) describes materials, devices, or surfaces that have been modified to exhibit compatibility with living tissues and biological systems. The goal of biokompatibilisation is to reduce adverse reactions such as inflammation, immune rejection, cytotoxicity or thrombosis while maintaining the intended mechanical and functional properties.

Methods for biokompatibilisation include surface coatings (e.g., hydrophilic polymers, titanium oxide, bioactive ceramics), chemical functionalization (e.g., PEGylation, immobilized peptides), physical treatments (e.g., plasma treatment, laser texturing), and bulk modification (e.g., blending with biocompatible polymers or incorporating bioresorbable components). Choice of method depends on the application, material substrate, and desired biological interactions.

Common applications are medical implants (orthopaedic, dental, cardiovascular), tissue engineering scaffolds, biosensors, and drug delivery vehicles. Effective biokompatibilisation can promote cell adhesion, control protein adsorption, reduce bacterial colonization, or enable controlled degradation in vivo.

Assessment of biokompatibilised products follows in vitro assays (cytotoxicity, hemocompatibility, protein adsorption), in vivo models, and standards such as ISO 10993. Regulatory evaluation considers both biological response and functional performance over the intended lifetime.

Challenges include ensuring long-term stability of the modification, avoiding unintended effects on mechanical properties, and balancing surface properties to meet competing requirements (e.g., cell adhesion versus anti-fouling). Ongoing research focuses on smart, responsive coatings and multifunctional strategies to improve safety and performance in clinical settings.