There are several surface physical tools, which are used to study the interaction between biomaterials and tissue. Many of them require special sample preparation and can not be used to follow the kinetics of interaction at the biomaterial surface. They can thus not be considered for in vivo applications either. Biosensor technologies developed for the monitoring of biomolecular interactions and utilizing (surface) physical phenomena as the detection principle should, however, be suitable for kinetic studies both in vivo ant in vitro. In this contribution some of the biosensing technologies for biomolecular interactions with and at surfaces are described, with special attention to surface plasmon resonance instrumentation and quartz crystal microbalances. It is concluded that by modifying the surface of such biosensors it is possible to study several important phenomena related to biomaterials and biocompability. Furthermore it is concluded that biosensors can be used also to monitor parameters outside the biomaterial itself, such as coagulation factors, inflammatory mediators etc. Biosensors for in vivo studies of biomaterials are also touched upon. The present use of biosensors for biomaterials related research is reviewed. A few examples from studies of e.g. plasminogen bleeding surfaces, complement activation and blood coagulation at surfaces are given. Finally some future possibilities of surface oriented biosensors for biomaterial research are speculated upon. This includes for the elucidation of the behavior of (single) cells adsorbed on or interacting with biomaterial surfaces.