OD9020 – Functional Surfaces for Cellular Interface

Students will explore the mechanisms and dynamics of interactions between cells and specifically designed engineered surfaces to induce specific functions, improve biocompatibility, and control interactions with cells, tissues, or biological molecules, such as the extracellular matrix proteins. Special focus will be given on biomimetics and how engineered biomaterial surfaces can be modified to influence cell behaviour, alignment, and tissue integration.

The course is centered on the functionalization of surfaces to achieve specific functions, improve biocompatibility, and control interactions with cells, tissues, or biological molecules. Additionally, students will be introduced to advanced techniques and bioactive molecules, such as peptides, proteins, and growth factors, that may regulate cellular behaviour and function.

Knowledge

• Biofunctionalization Strategies
• Bioactive Coatings
• Biocompatibility Assessment
• Drug Delivery
• Surface Topography
• Conductive Surfaces
• Cell-Surface Interactions
• Tissue Engineering Applications
• Introduction to conductive interfaces that facilitate electrical signalling, making them suitable for applications like neural interfaces, cardiac devices, and biosensors.

Skills

The course learning outcomes will equip students with skills for the characterization of surface properties and understanding of surface modification techniques. More specifically, to

• Analyze the role of biomaterial surfaces in cellular interactions.
• Evaluate the design criteria and selection parameters for biomaterial surfaces
• Demonstrate understanding of the core principles of designing and fabricating functional surfaces tailored to specific application requirements, such as promoting cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation
• Apply knowledge of surface modification techniques coupled with biomaterial properties to optimize cellular responses and tissue regeneration on engineered surfaces
• Critically assess the biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of biomaterials
• Synthesize experimental data and quantitative analyses to evaluate the performance of functional surfaces in supporting tissue regeneration and repair.
• Discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with translating functional surface designs from the laboratory to clinical applications in tissue engineering.

These learning outcomes aim to provide students with a concrete understanding of how biomaterial surfaces are modified, how bioactive molecules are presented to the cells, and the critical role of biofunctionalization and biomimetics in cellular interactions for tissue reconstruction.

Peer review of the draft of one peer.

4,000-word essay

10-minute oral presentation.