Macromolecular Modification Strategies for Biomaterial Surface: Challenges in Fundamental Research and Applications

Over the past few decades, macromolecular surface modification technologies have rapidly evolved as a key driver of biomaterial innovation. The successful application of these technologies relies on the fundamental knowledge on the interaction of macromolecules with biomaterial surfaces; among them, protein and cell-surface interaction is one of the central issues. Besides, innovations in macromolecular surface initiation and characterization methods have also played a key role. Despite the progress, it is an inescapable fact that many excellent macromolecular modification techniques remain at the laboratory stage. In particular, some of these techniques are disconnected from the standards and requirements of practical applications. On top of that, the characterization of surfaces remains difficult so that the full mastery of macromolecules information on surfaces is still pending. In this Perspective, we share with classic examples of macromolecules and biomaterials surface research to summarize some instructive conclusions and real challenges in fundamental research and application of macromolecular modification strategies for biomaterial surfaces.