Proteins at Surfaces

Understanding protein adsorption is of vital importance in many fields of medicine and industry that can be divided into two categories: those in which it is desired to minimize adsorption, and those in which protein adsorption is desired.

The first category covers materials for kidney dialysis membranes, implants in the bloodstream, vessels for storing pharmaceutical products, marine antifouling paints, etc.

The second covers mainly materials for surgical implants, for example, bone replacement, teeth implants, which must be assimilated with the living tissue.

For example, bones or tooth implants require good protein adhesion to allow the growth of the bone and the formation of a stable and strong interphase between the implants and the bone.

In contrast, the protein adhesion has to be poor for catheters or contact lenses, where a low contact with the tissue is required.

In between these two categories lies a work to understand the fundamental processes of protein adsorption onto solid surfaces.