A review of block copolymer-based biomaterials that control protein and cell interactions

Block copolymers posses the ability to phase separate into micro and nanoscale patterns resulting in nonhomogeneous surfaces and solids. This nonhomogeneity has been harnessed to improve mechanical properties, control degradation, and add functionality to biomaterials. The ability of block copolymers to generate a wide variety of surface chemistries and morphologies can also be harnessed to control protein adsorption, protein conformation, and cell adhesion. Proteins and cells will respond to periodically structured surfaces, so block copolymers have a great deal of potential as biomaterials. This review will explore the ability of block copolymers to control specific biological responses such as cell adhesion, protein adsorption and conformation, parameters that govern the overall host response to a material. In addition, some of the specific applications of block copolymer, antithrombogenic materials and their ability to pattern proteins, will be discussed.