Mats Hulander disputed at the University of Gothenburg the 26th of October.

The interaction between biology and non-viable surfaces is crucial for many organisms and cells. Within seconds after insertion or implantation of a medical device, proteins from the immune complement and coagulation systems adsorbs to the surface of the device with possible adverse consequences for the patient. To overcome this, chemical surface modifications are readily employed. However, recently the significance of surface nanotopography for the adsorption of proteins, and attachment of cells have been acknowledged.

It was found that the activation of the immune complement was attunated by surface nanotopography. A suggested mechanism is that the curvature of the nanostructure prevents interaction between complement proteins. It was also found that blood platelets were activated to a lower degree on nanostructured surfaces and were sensitive to changes in the structure.