Designing the biocompatibility of biohybrids

Adv Biochem Eng Biotechnol. 2012:126:285-96. doi: 10.1007/10_2011_114.

Abstract

Biohybrid has been used as a fashionable term in scientific publications during the past years to describe a functional unit consisting of a bioactive and a structural component. The bioactive part of the biohybrid could consist of cells or bioactive molecules, while the structural part is of biological or non-biological origin. Biohybrids are currently used as implants and transplants in regenerative medicine or in vitro applications such as assays, biosensors or bioreactors. However, a clear definition of a biohybrid has not been given yet. This chapter reviews the current applications of biohybrids and identifies the challenges of biohybrids in in vivo applications. A classification of biohybrids according to their functional use and application is provided.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials / chemical synthesis*
  • Biological Products / chemistry*
  • Prostheses and Implants*
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Surface Properties
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Biological Products