Two properties that have a large effect on the functionality of a biomaterial is the surface and bulk properties.
Bulk properties refers to the physical and chemical properties that compose the biomaterial for its entire lifetime. They can be specifically generated to mimic the physiochemical properties of the tissue that the material is replacing. They are mechanical properties that are generated from a material's atomic and molecular construction.
Important bulk properties:
* Chemical Composition
* Microstructure
* Elasticity
* Tensile Strength
* Density
* Hardness
* Electrical Conductivity
* Thermal Conductivity
Surface properties refers to the chemical and topographical features on the surface of the biomaterial that will have direct interaction with the host blood/tissue. Surface engineering and modification allows clinicians to better control the interactions of a biomaterial with the host living system.
Important surface properties:
* Wettability (surface energy)
* Surface chemistry
* Surface textures (smooth/rough)
** Topographical factors including: size, shape, alignment, structure determine the roughness of a material.
* Surface Tension
* Surface Charge