A key issue in the development of chronic
implantable devices is the study of appropriate
material surfaces. The book addresses the
interactions of materials with the central nervous
system cells. Among different aspects of
interactions cell adhesion, selective growth and
network formation have been studied elaborately.
Surface engineering at the micro and nano-scale is
an extensive research tool used for modulating cell-
material interaction to enhance biocompatibility of
medical implants. An overview of current surface
modification approaches has been presented and
interactions of neural cells with sapphire and
iridium oxide, two emerging material surfaces
patterned by lithographic technique have been
studied. The interface between materials and
cortical neurons are studied at the atomic and
molecular level by two surface characterization
techniques,XPS and ToF-SIMS which have been
recently brought in the study of adsorbed proteins
on surfaces. This book should be helpful to students
and researchers working with design and development
of neuro-prostheses and those involved in the study
of in vitro biocompatibility and biomaterials.