ABSTRACT
Most materials in contact with a biological medium can be colonised by various types of cells: prokaryotes (viruses, phages or bacteria) and eukaryotes (protozoa, algae and moulds, plant and animal cells). The interactions between materials and cells that arise from this contact can cause cell adhesion, also called bioadhesion. This process might need to be either promoted or counteracted to avoid pathological hazards and/or economical consequences in various application domains. In medical fields, for example, the adhesion of animal and/or human cells to the surface of
biomaterials will be actively sought for cell recolonisation, in regenerative medicine (bone, cornea and cardiovascular applications) and tools involved in diagnosis and dosage of target cells [1-4]. Conversely, the adhesion of cells and pathogenic bacteria to the surfaces of plastics, composites, glasses, cements, ceramics, or foodstuffs needs to be combated to avert nosocomial diseases, prevent premature explantation of surgical implants, preserve the functionality of medical instruments such as catheters, especially central venous catheters (CVC’s) and urocatheters [5] and, in general, to stop infections, which cause morbidity and mortality, lengthening hospital stays and thus increasing medical costs [6].
