An implantable metal device having an active biosurface, the device
comprising a non-peptide polymer spacer having a plurality of target
sites, at least one or more of the target sites binding a biologically
active agent, wherein the target sites are derived from a plurality of
carbonyl, epoxy, hydroxyl or thiol target reactive groups or a
combination thereof or wherein the biologically active agent is any agent
which is capable of modifying the behaviour of cells; a process for
generating an active biosurface at the surface of the implantable metal
device, comprising contacting a non-peptide polymer spacer having a
plurality of target reactive groups with a biologically active agent
having one or more reactive functional groups and reaction thereof,
thereby binding the biologically active agent to the polymer wherein the,
polymer is anchored to the surface of the implantable metal device or
subsequently anchoring the polymer to the surface of the implantable
metal device by means of unreacted target reactive groups; the
implantable metal device having a surface which is receptive for
tethering the biologically active agent; a chemical intermediate
comprising the polymer spacer anchored to the chemical anchor; processes
for the preparation thereof; a method of treating an animal comprising
inserting the implantable metal device into a site in need thereof on
said animal; and uses thereof as an implantable or subcutaneous metal
device, or non-surgical device or a coating thereof, preferably any
orthopaedic, cardiovascular, circulatory system or dental implant, tissue
engineering device, fixation device, reconstructive device or joint
member or trauma-related devices or research tools or particles for
shaping into such form.