The ability to study metal and polymer surface chemistry and correlate it with biocompatibility is a routine application of surface analysis equipment. An emerging application is the study of proteins and other organic materials for the development of biosensor technology and studying mechanisms to promote cell growth.
Surface characterization (XPS, TOF-SIMS, AES)
Surface composition is critical to biomedical device performance. XPS surface analysis provides quantitative chemical state information that can be used to evaluate and monitor surface composition. TOF-SIMS surface analysis provides molecular structure information and trace element detection that is not available via XPS. AES surface analysis provides high spatial resolution surface characterization with elemental and limited chemical state information.
Localized contamination on the coronary stent surface was identified by SXI. Micro XPS spectra of the contaminated region indicated that the contamination was an organofluorine compound.
The distribution of ligands (substances that specifically bind to biological materials) used in biosensors was clearly demonstrated by TOF-SIMS imaging.