What is a common property of natural biomaterials compared to synthetic biomaterials?

Natural biomaterials are derived from living organisms and their structures are often aligned with biological processes, which enhances their compatibility with living tissues. This biocompatibility is particularly advantageous because natural biomaterials can interact favorably with cells, promoting cell attachment, growth, and differentiation. This property is crucial in tissue engineering, where the aim is to create scaffolds or materials that support the regeneration of tissues and minimize the risk of rejection by the host's immune system.

In contrast, synthetic biomaterials are engineered and may not always replicate the nuanced interactions seen in natural materials. While they can be tailored for specific applications, they may lack the inherent biological cues provided by natural biomaterials. As a result, the increased biocompatibility of natural biomaterials makes them particularly valuable in applications such as wound healing, implantable devices, and tissue scaffolds.