Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026
08:50
Stabilizing Hepatocellular Phenotype Using Optimized Synthetic Surfaces
Published on: September 26, 2014
Sterilization effects on starPEG coated polymer surfaces: characterization and cell viability.
Júlia Lleixà Calvet1, Dirk Grafahrend, Doris Klee
1DWI e. V. and Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen Pauwelsstr. 8, 52056 Aachen, Germany.
Journal of Materials Science. Materials in Medicine
|January 30, 2008
Summary
Sterilization of poly(ethylene glycol) coatings on biomaterials is crucial. Plasma sterilization preserves protein repellence and cell repellence of starPEG coatings, unlike gamma irradiation, making it more suitable for medical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Sterilization is critical for polymeric biomaterials, with autoclaving often unsuitable.
- Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) coatings minimize protein adsorption on biomaterial surfaces.
- Star-shaped PEG (starPEG) coatings offer dense, ultrathin layers for biofunctionalization and reduced protein interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the stability and effectiveness of starPEG coatings on poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) after gamma irradiation and plasma sterilization.
- To assess the impact of sterilization methods on surface properties, protein adsorption, and cell behavior.
- To determine the optimal sterilization method for starPEG coatings for biomedical applications.
Main Methods:
- Surface characterization using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and sessile drop contact angle measurements.
- Protein adsorption assessment via fluorescence microscopy using avidin and bovine serum albumin.
- Preliminary cell culture studies with L929 cell line to evaluate cell repellence, viability, and adhesion on GRGDS-modified coatings.
Main Results:
- Both gamma irradiation and plasma sterilization caused minor oxidation of starPEG coatings, with slight changes in surface composition and wettability.
- Plasma-sterilized starPEG coatings remained protein-repellent, while gamma-irradiated coatings showed significantly increased protein adsorption.
- StarPEG coatings maintained cell repellence after both sterilization methods, and GRGDS-modified coatings supported vital cell adhesion post-sterilization.
Conclusions:
- Plasma sterilization is more suitable for preserving the desired properties of starPEG coatings compared to gamma irradiation.
- StarPEG coatings, particularly when modified with GRGDS, show promise for biomedical applications requiring controlled cell interaction after sterilization.
- The findings support plasma sterilization as a preferred method for preparing functionalized starPEG coatings for biomaterials.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Methods of Sterilization II: Chemical Methods
In healthcare, the chemical method of sterilization uses chemical sterilants to treat surgical instruments and medical supplies to help prevent the transmission of infectious pathogens to patients. Due to heat sensitivity, most medical supplies and equipment should not be exposed to high temperatures. These parts include rubber, plastic, glass, and other similar elements.
Using chemical sterilization rather than heat to clean out equipment is recommended. It eradicates and removes all bacteria,...
Using chemical sterilization rather than heat to clean out equipment is recommended. It eradicates and removes all bacteria,...
01:29Methods of Sterilization I: Physical Methods
As used in a healthcare facility, sterilization destroys all microorganisms through physical or chemical methods. The physical method includes steam, dry heat, boiling water, and radiation.
Steam sterilization uses non-toxic, low-cost moist heat in the form of saturated steam under pressure, which is fast, microbicidal, and sporicidal, and quickly warms and penetrates fabrics. Autoclaves, or steam sterilizers, expose each item to direct steam contact for a predetermined time at the necessary...
Steam sterilization uses non-toxic, low-cost moist heat in the form of saturated steam under pressure, which is fast, microbicidal, and sporicidal, and quickly warms and penetrates fabrics. Autoclaves, or steam sterilizers, expose each item to direct steam contact for a predetermined time at the necessary...