Biomaterials exhibit various degrees of compatibility with the harsh environment within a living organism. They need to un-reactivebe nonreactive chemically and physically with the body, as well as integrate when with tissue.<ref name=biomaterial>{{cite journal |doi=10.1007/BF00680113 |title=Biomaterials for abdominal wall hernia surgery and principles of their applications |year=1994 |last1=Amid |first1=P. K. |last2=Shulman |first2=A. G. |last3=Lichtenstein |first3=I. L. |last4=Hakakha |first4=M. |journal=Langenbecks Archiv für Chirurgie |volume=379 |issue=3 |pages=168–71}}</ref> The extent of compatibility varies based on the application and material required. Often modifications to the surface of a biomaterial system are required to maximize performance. The surface can be modified in many ways, including plasma modification and applying coatings to the substrate. Surface modifications can be used to affect [[surface energy]], [[adhesion]], [[biocompatibility]], chemical inertness, lubricity, [[Sterilization (microbiology)|sterility]], [[asepsis]], [[Thrombosis|thrombogenicity]], susceptibility to [[corrosion]], degradation, and [[hydrophile|hydrophilicity]].
