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ramé-hart
Newsletter
March 2025 |
| Contact Angle in Biomedical Engineering |
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In addition to being the world leader
in contact angle goniometry, ramé-hart is also a leading provider of
custom spinnerets. Many of our customers use our spinnerets to
develop engineered tissue, medical implants, and drug delivery
systems using methods such as 3D bioprinting and coaxial
electrospinning. These same customers often have a keen interest in
surface properties, recognizing their critical role in the success
of medical devices, implants, drug delivery systems, and tissue
engineering scaffolds. Contact angle measurements offer valuable
insights into surface wettability, hydrophobicity, and surface
energy—factors that directly influence biocompatibility and
performance. By understanding how materials interact with biological
fluids and tissues, researchers can optimize designs for enhanced
functionality and better patient outcomes. This article explores the
role of contact angle in advancing biomedical applications.
Contact angle analysis is a well-established technique used to assess surface wettability, which is a critical factor in biomedical applications. The relationship between contact angle and surface energy determines how biomaterials interact with their environment, affecting adhesion, protein adsorption, and cellular responses. A lower contact angle typically indicates a more hydrophilic surface, which can enhance tissue integration and reduce the risk of thrombosis in blood-contacting devices. The success of medical implants, such as orthopedic prostheses, dental implants, and cardiovascular stents, heavily depends on their surface characteristics. Hydrophilic surfaces, as indicated by low contact angles, promote better cell adhesion and proliferation, leading to improved osseointegration1 in bone implants. Conversely, controlled hydrophobicity in coatings can be advantageous in reducing bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, minimizing infection risks. By precisely tailoring surface energy through coatings or material modifications, biomedical engineers can optimize implant performance and longevity. And of course contact angle is the most common method for reaching surface energy results using a variety of methods. In drug delivery, surface energy considerations are crucial for ensuring proper drug adhesion, release kinetics, and bioavailability. Contact angle measurements help evaluate the wettability of drug-coated surfaces, which influences the dissolution rate of pharmaceuticals. Hydrophilic coatings can enhance drug solubility, while hydrophobic modifications may be employed for sustained-release formulations. In nanomedicine, surface energy plays a key role in designing nanoparticles that exhibit targeted delivery and improved interaction with biological membranes.
Tissue engineering aims to develop scaffolds that support cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation.2 The surface properties of these scaffolds significantly influence cellular behavior, with hydrophilic surfaces promoting cell adhesion and spreading. Contact angle analysis aids in designing biomaterial surfaces that mimic the extracellular matrix, fostering optimal cell-scaffold interactions. Furthermore, surface energy modifications can regulate protein adsorption, which is crucial for guiding stem cell differentiation and tissue regeneration. ramé-hart goniometers have enabled researchers to gain deeper insights into biomaterial interactions, while ramé-hart custom spinnerets have played a crucial role in advancing bioprinted organs and coaxial electrospun engineered tissue. Furthermore, techniques like captive bubble measurements are especially valuable for assessing the hydrophobic properties of materials used in contact lenses and other biomedical applications. Notes |
| Product of the Month - Model 250 |
| This month's featured product is the Model 250 (see photo above). The ramé-hart Model 250 Goniometer / Tensiometer sets the industry standard for precision, versatility, and ease of use in contact angle, surface energy, and surface tension measurements and is currently the best-selling model. Featuring high-resolution imaging and DROPimage Advanced software, Model 250 delivers unparalleled accuracy for static and dynamic contact angle analysis, surface energy calculations, and interfacial tension studies. Its robust design accommodates a wide range of materials, making it ideal for research and industrial applications in biomedical engineering, coatings, nanotechnology, and more. With superior build quality, many available options, and world-class support, the Model 250 offers unmatched performance for scientists and engineers seeking cutting-edge surface analysis capabilities. Contact us today for a quotation and more information. |
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Regards,
Carl Clegg |
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