Molecular signalling mechanisms of host–materials interactions

Biomaterials are being used in several different clinical applications worldwide. However, they often induce a nonspecific host immune response and are prone to infections due to microorganisms that adhere to their surface and adopt a biofilm phenotype. Modern biomaterials science provides a large array of biomaterial designs and surface modifications that modulate the host–material interactions to prevent an aggressive foreign-body response and at the same time avoid bacterial colonization. Furthermore, the use of biological motives in the new generations of biomaterials may elicit a specific immune response. Altogether, perfect biomaterials for the different clinical applications do not yet exist, and will always depend on the specific application. Therefore a better understanding of the molecular signalling mechanisms involved in the host–material interactions may provide important targets for further exploration in the field of biomaterials research. The following chapter provides an overview of signalling molecules involved in the host cell response to biomaterials and the latest advances in biomaterials designs using biological or biology-inspired molecules.