Surface functionalization and biomedical applications based on SiC

Abstract

The search for materials and systems, capable of operating long term under physiological conditions, has been a strategy for many research groups during the past years. Silicon carbide (SiC) is a material, which can meet the demands due to its high biocompatibility, high inertness to biological tissues and to aggressive environment, and the possibility to make all types of electronic devices.This paper reviews progress in biomedical and biosensor related research on SiC. For example, less biofouling and platelet aggregation when exposed to blood is taken advantage of in a variety of medical implantable materials while the robust semiconducting properties can be explored in surface functionalized bioelectronic devices.

AFM and Cell Staining to Assess the In Vitro Biocompatibility of Opaque Surfaces

“…The same difference in viability that was observed in the Si crystalline planes also exists with 3C-SiC. (Coletti et al, 2007) have shown the USF 'as grown' 3C-SiC has a contact angle of 52.53°, and (Yakimova et al, 2007) indicates that SiC contains both hydrophilic and hydrophobic sites due to its alternating elemental surface. It should be noted that these substrates are negatively charged, although at a level much lower than the Si substrates.…”

Fundamentals of Biomedical Applications of Biomorphic SiC

“…The studies report the significant finding that SiC surfaces are a better substrate for mammalian cell culture than Si in terms of both cell adhesion and proliferation (Coletti et al, 2007). In (bio)-chemical sensor applications, the establishment of a stable organic layer covalently attached to the semiconductor surface is of central importance (Yakimova et al, 2007;Botsoa et al, 2008;Frewin et al, 2009). Recent interest has arisen in employing these materials, tools and technologies for the fabrication of miniature sensors and actuators and their integration with electronic circuits to produce smart devices and systems.…”

New transducer material concepts for biosensors and surface functionalization

“…We have shown successful binding to ZnO and also SiC surfaces by e.g. APTES, which forms the basis for further attachment of many biomolecules [8][9][10].…”