Cell biology at interfaces

A brief review is presented of the significant developments in the understanding of the processes involved in cell adhesion both to other cells and to substrates. The relationship between general cellular behaviour and cell adhesion is a result of the importance of the cytoplasmic cytoskeleton to most cellular processes. Interaction between a substrate and the cell is mediated through intramembranous proteins, such as the integrins. The intramembranous proteins, in turn, influence the assembly of the microfilamentous structures in the cytoplasm. Changes in the state of the microfilaments are accompanied by modifications in the behaviour of both microtubules and intermediate filaments. The expression of different types of cytoskeletal configuration result from differing types of cell-cell or cell-substratum encounters. This leads to significant changes in resultant cellular behaviour. It is argued that an understanding of changes that result from cell-biomaterial interactions, at the ultrastructural level, is necessary in order to assess the biocompatability of implant materials.