Chemical and topographical engineerization

The aim of this research is to design, develop and characterise biomaterials surfaces in order to understand the basic principles of stem cell-substrate interactions. In particular the effect of surface topography and chemistry on cell adhesion, growth and differentiation was investigated. The engineered and structured surface can be a signal to cells in terms of attachment, proliferation and viability. Deposition process parameters were investigated to design micro and nano structured carbon based thin films, surface properties of polymeric materials were modify, surface modifications of non-biodegradable polymers were performed both in terms of topography and in terms of biological affinity, the effects of surface modifications have on degradation of biodegradable polymers and how this surface engineering may not only influence cell behavior, but also the antibacterial properties of nanocomposites were studied.