Biofunctional Surface Modification of Polymeric Implants for Biomedical Applications

The engineering of the polymer biological interface remains a challenge as it governs responses, such as protein adsorption, cell adhesion, and bacterial colonization, thereby maintaining long-term biocompatibility. Although polymers are widely used in biomedical implants, the challenges of pristine surfaces in directly interacting with complex physiological environments remain a major challenge. Surface modification is therefore essential for tailoring polymer interfaces to achieve optimal biological and functional performance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of polymeric materials employed in biomedical implants and the surface modification strategies used to enhance their performance. Both biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers are discussed, with emphasis on approaches that enhance surface hydrophilicity, mechanical integrity, and interfacial bioactivity while imparting antibacterial, antifouling, and antithrombogenic properties.