What is a defining characteristic of steric stabilization in cellular interactions?

Steric stabilization in cellular interactions is predominantly characterized by the presence of repulsive forces. This concept arises from the physical arrangement of molecules, particularly when bulky polymers or macromolecules are present around the cells or particles. These large molecules create a protective layer that prevents close proximity between particles, leading to a repulsive interaction that can inhibit aggregation and promote stability within a cellular environment.

When cells are sufficiently separated by these bulky structures, they experience a repulsion that helps maintain their independence from one another. This phenomenon is critical in tissue engineering and pharmaceutical applications where the prevention of cell aggregation can be crucial for maintaining cell viability and function.

In contrast, attractive forces would promote aggregation and interaction among cells, which contradicts the principle of steric stabilization. Osmosis and the associated water movement may lead to cell swelling, but this is unrelated to steric stabilization. Additionally, saying that steric stabilization has no influence on cell interactions misrepresents its significant role in promoting specific spatial arrangements and interactions among cells and materials in biological systems. Hence, the emphasis is on the repulsive forces that define steric stabilization.