Quantitative measurements of contact interactions between solid surfaces — a novel method for characterizing surface properties of biomaterials☆

Abstract A method developed in colloid chemistry for quantitative measurements of adhesion forces in dispersive systems was adapted for the characterization of surface properties of biomaterials in electrolyte solutions and in the presence of macromolecular adsorption layers. The adhesion force between a reference surface (glass) and different polymers (polyurethanes and cellulose derivatives) was found to be dependent on the immersion time of polymers in electrolyte and on the formation of adsorption layers of serum albumin and fibrinogen. It was concluded that the adhesion forces measured can be considered as a further complex interfacial parameter reflecting such microscopic surface properties of biomaterials, which are responsible for biocompatibility.