Surface characterization of biomaterials by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis

Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) is perhaps the most valuable single method available for characterizing the surfaces of biomaterials. The ESCA analytical method is rich in information, observes a relevant surface region, and has been shown to generate results that correlate with biological response. In this article, the analysis of actual ESCA data is illustrated by reviewing a study in which polymer-coated glass surfaces, prepared for use as tissue culture substrates, are examined by ESCA. The application of more advanced ESCA techniques such as angular-dependent analysis to this situation is also considered. Finally, published applications of ESCA to the study of polyurethanes, hydrogels, protein films, cell culture substrates, and dental materials are briefly reviewed.