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Through‐thickness plasma modification of biodegradable and nonbiodegradable porous polymer constructs
Author(s) -
Safinia Laleh,
Wilson Karen,
Mantalaris Athanasios,
Bismarck Alexander
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of biomedical materials research part a
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.849
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1552-4965
pISSN - 1549-3296
DOI - 10.1002/jbm.a.31731
Subject(s) - contact angle , materials science , wetting , zeta potential , surface energy , polymer , x ray photoelectron spectroscopy , isoelectric point , adhesion , polystyrene , porosity , chemical engineering , surface modification , plasma , atmospheric pressure plasma , composite material , nanotechnology , organic chemistry , chemistry , physics , quantum mechanics , nanoparticle , engineering , enzyme
Pure poly(lactide‐ co ‐glycolide) and polystyrene surfaces are not very suitable to support cell adhesion/spreading owing to their hydrophobic nature and low surface energy. The interior surfaces of large porous 3D scaffolds were modified and activated using radio‐frequency, low‐pressure air plasma. An increase in the wettability of the surface was observed after exposure to air plasma, as indicated by the decrease in the contact angles of the wet porous system. The surface composition of the plasma‐treated polymers was studied using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. pH‐dependent zeta‐potential measurements confirm the presence of an increased number of functional groups. However, the plasma‐treated surfaces have a less acidic character than the original polymer surfaces as seen by a shift in their isoelectric point. Zeta‐potential, as well as contact angle measurements, on 3D scaffolds confirm that plasma treatment is a useful tool to modify the surface properties throughout the interior of large scaffolds. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2008