Electrically mediated interactions at the materials/biology interface

The interface between materials and biology is important for medical devices, medicinal products, biological corrosion, and biofilm formation. While it is widely accepted that electricity plays a role in the interactions between biological species and the materials' surface, exact mechanisms of electrical mediation are still alluding. This chapter discusses the similarities and differences in electrical properties of biological species and materials. It then discusses how the interactions between these are mediated at their interface and the challenges in probing such interactions. Finally, the chapter outlines the need for studying such interactions and indicates possible direction of future research.