The determination of structure and reactivity at the surfaces of materials used in biology: Needs and requirements for electron and ion spectroscopy for surface analysis

We discuss here the status and challenges of the use of surface chemical analysis based on electron and ion spectrometry for "biomaterials", that class of materials and their applications where the primary surface contact of a polymer, metal, alloy, ceramic, or semiconductor, etc. is with a biological environment. Subsequent papers in this special issue highlight contrasting views on the relevance of surface science to this problem, the emergence of scanning probe microscopy and applications in areas of interest to surface scientists. The challenges of structure determination and the relationship with reactivity in these environments are outlined. Some examples are given describing areas for future growth of electron and ion spectroscopy. These are highlighted by problems in the analysis of reactive materials; where the purpose of the material is not to be "inert" to the biological milieu. Surface chemical problems of general import include (bio)-adhesion and (bio)-corrosion; thus, there are direct parallels with other areas of substantial previous work in surface science.