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Biomaterial Surfaces: Properties and Characterization
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:06:59
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 and surface characterization techniques that are relevant for the field of biomaterials and biosensors. 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.
Content
It covers surface modifications such as chemical, electrochemical, gas phase/plasma and molecular assembly techniques and characterization methods such as XPS, SIMS, IR, el-lipsometry, NEXAFS, SPM/AFM, Surface Force Apparatus (SFA), etc. Emphasis is also 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 protein-surface and cell-surface interactions are given, related to surface properties of biomaterials and biosensors. Biomimetic approaches such as the use of lipidic systems for functional surfaces are presented as well as the drug delivery systems and drug-eluting surfaces for applications such as cardiovascualr stents. Apart from lectures, three experimental 1/2-day courses are offered: experimental work in a surface analysis lab and in a cell culture lab respectively. Groups of students can choose a topic to be studied and presented orally during one of the course dates (compulsory for receiving the testate).
Resources
Lecture Notes
The script and further documents including all presentations slides and additional material such as relevant publications are downloadable from:http://www.surface.mat.ethz.ch/education/courses/327-0706-00L
Literature
Script of ca. 200 pages with many illustrations is distributed free of charge CD-ROM. Additional material including relevant papers are included as well.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DS , 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 |