Protein adhesion to near-atomically smooth diamond surfaces remains to be investigated experimentally, and may be quite low. It is almost certain that such designs are possible because numerous semi-proteinophobic artificial molecular surfaces are already available. Another even more effective way to create nonadhesive nanorobot surfaces may be the biomimetic approach. Diamond particles have already been encapsulated inside stealth liposomes. This is a very critical topic because, unlike the materials used in a joint prosthesis, nanorobots will be present in the microvasculature of critical organs.
Relevant investigations are to be encouraged at the earliest possible opportunity.
The author welcomes and invites further dialogue on this subject by interested specialists. Thanks to Stephen S. Flitman, M.D., and C. Christopher Hook, M.D., for helpful comments on an earlier version of this paper. All rights reserved. Last updated 28 February 2001. Send comments and questions about material on this web site and reports of errors to Jim Lewis .