Biological modifications of materials surfaces with proteins for regenerative medicine

It is very important to modify the surfaces of biomaterials for regulation of cells in the development of regenerative medicine or tissue engineering. Biomaterials are categorized into three primary types, metallic, ceramic, and polymers. Here the biological modification of biomaterial surfaces such as metals, ceramics, and polymers and the effects of such biological modifications are discussed. It is well known that cellular compatibility is regulated by three interactions: one is with extracellular matrices (ECM), second with neighboring cells, and third with soluble biosignals such as growth factors. Biomaterial researchers have immobilized ECM, cell adhesion factors, and growth factors on various materials to regulate cellular functions. Herein, biosignaling of ECM, cell adhesion factors, and growth factors are reviewed and biomaterial designs to activate biosignaling mechanisms are discussed.