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Biomaterial Surfaces: Properties and Characterization
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:25:17
Abstract
The course addresses undergraduate and graduate students interested in getting introduced into the basic aspects of surface properties, surface modification techniques and specific characterization methods that are relevant for the field of biomaterials, tissue engineering, biosensors and drug delivery carrier systems. Course covers also 3-times 2 h lab demonstrations.
Objective
The course addresses undergraduate and graduate students in Material Science, Chemistry, Biology and Engineering interested in getting introduced into the basic aspects of surface properties, surface modification techniques and surface characterization techniques that are relevant for the field of biomaterials and biosensors.
Content
The course covers surface modification techniques such as chemical, electrochemical, gas phase/plasma and molecular assembly techniques and characterization methods such as XPS, SIMS, IR, ellipsometry, NEXAFS, SPM/AFM. Emphasis is given to in situ techniques that allow one to follow surface reactions under biologically meaningful conditions in aqueous media, using e.g. sensing techniques based on optical waveguide, surface plasmon resonance or quartz crystal microbalance methods. The basic aspects of interaction of proteins, lipid systems and cells with artificial surfaces are discussed, related to surface properties of biomaterials and biosensors. Apart from lectures, three experimental 1/2-day courses are offered: experimental work in a surface analysis, biosensor, and cell culture lab, respectively. Moreover, groups of two students choose one technical topic as a homework exercise on which they submit a short report at the end of the term.
Resources
Lecture Notes
No special requirements are needed for attending; having previously attended D-MATL courses such as "Surfaces and Interfaces", "Biocompatible Materials" or "Molecular and Cellular Aspects of Biomedical Materials" is advantageous, but not a prerequisite.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Biomaterial Surfaces: Properties and Characterization |
|
2 h weekly |
| exercise | Biomaterial Surfaces: Properties and Characterization |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Biomaterials and Molecular Bioengineering (Common Major of ETH Zurich and ETH Lausanne. A minimum of 32 credits are necessary for this major.)
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Electives for All Tracks (The suggested elective courses for each track are available on the website of the Master Program Biomedical Engineering ( ).)
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