Sol-Gel Coating Methods In Biomedical Systems

Biomedical coatings require specific functional attributes. The sol-gel method of forming coatings is reviewed here with emphasis on biomedical systems. The method begins from molecular precursors that are hydrolyzed to form a liquid sol, which can then be used to coat objects of varied size, shapes, and geometries. Solution deposition capability of sol-gel methods provides a simple cost-effective way of coating diverse substrates, including metals, plastic, and ceramics. The synthesis and processing flexibility of the sol-gel-derived methods can be utilized effectively in biomedical systems. Viability of coatings in biomedical systems necessitates certain key requirements as devices, prostheses, and other biomedical implements must come in contact with biological fluid, cells, and tissues and sol-gel-derived coatings provide desired features at surfaces and interfaces that are intrinsic to their utility in biomedical systems. The primary use of sol-gel coatings has been in the area of surface passivation and the challenges and opportunities lie in exploiting the potential of sol-gel technology in tailoring the interfacial and surface properties. The convergence of sol-gel chemistry, surface science, and biomedical engineering provides a key advancement in the transition from basic research to widespread medical and clinical applications.