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Carboxyl Surface Functionalization of Poly( L ‐lactic acid) Electrospun Nanofibers through Atmospheric Non‐ T hermal Plasma Affects Fibroblast Morphology
Author(s) -
Dolci Luisa Stella,
Quiroga Santiago David,
Gherardi Matteo,
Laurita Romolo,
Liguori Anna,
Sanibondi Paolo,
Fiorani Andrea,
Calzà Laura,
Colombo Vittorio,
Focarete Maria Letizia
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
plasma processes and polymers
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.644
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1612-8869
pISSN - 1612-8850
DOI - 10.1002/ppap.201300104
Subject(s) - surface modification , atmospheric pressure plasma , scaffold , biocompatibility , biomaterial , materials science , morphology (biology) , fibroblast , lactic acid , electrospinning , nanofiber , fluorescein isothiocyanate , fluorescein , chemical engineering , biophysics , chemistry , plasma , polymer chemistry , nanotechnology , biomedical engineering , polymer , composite material , fluorescence , biochemistry , in vitro , bacteria , engineering , genetics , quantum mechanics , physics , biology , metallurgy , medicine
In this study, atmospheric pressure non‐thermal plasma treatment of electrospun poly( L ‐lactic acid) scaffolds is used to improve scaffold hydrophilicity and to introduce carboxyl groups on scaffold surface. Thermo‐mechanical properties, morphology, hydrophilicity, and water uptake of the plasma‐treated scaffolds are studied. The amount of carboxyl functional groups on the scaffold surface is evaluated using fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugation and microdensitometry. The effect of plasma treatment on mouse embryonic fibroblast morphology is assessed through image analysis. Results show an enhancement of scaffold biocompatibility, demonstrating that atmospheric plasma technology is a flexible process that can be integrated in “in‐line” procedures of biomaterial fabrication and functionalization.