Enhanced surfaces for endothelial cell seeding

Silver negative ions (Ag-) were implanted to polystyrene (PS) and tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) by using neutral and ionized alkaline bombardment-type heavy negative ion sources, NIABNIS. Surface property and biocompatibility of Ag(-)-implanted TCPS and PS were investigated. Enhanced growth of vascular endothelial cells was observed on Ag(-)-implanted TCPS at a dose of 10(16) ions.cm-2 at an ion energy of 10 keV and Ag(-)-implanted (at ca. 10(15) ions.cm-2 dose and 10 keV energy) PS region. As a result of Ag(-)-implantation, PS and TCPS surfaces were considered to be more hydrophobic and to be more hydrophilic, respectively.