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Abstract
The properties of surfaces define the acceptance and integration of biomaterials in vivo, as well as the material’s efficiency when used at research or manufacturing levels. The presence of micro/nano-topographical structures and low surface energies could bring several advantages when highly repellent surfaces are employed in the biomedical field. Biomimetic superhydrophobic surfaces have been explored for diverse applications: as an intrinsic characteristic of biomaterials to be implanted; as materials that exhibit special interactions with biological entities; or to be used in ex vivo applications. This article aims to focus on the main motivations and requirements in the biomedical field that pushed for the utilization of superhydrophobic surfaces as suitable alternatives, as well as the great evolution of applications that have emerged in the last few years.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors are grateful for the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) financial support in the scope of project PTDC/CTM-BIO/1814/2012. AC Lima thanks the FCT for the PhD grant (SFRH/BD/71395/2010, under de scope of QREN-POPH-Tipologia 4.1 - Formação avançada subsidized by European Social Found as well as by national funds of MEC). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.