Nonthermal plasma technology as a versatile strategy for polymeric biomaterials surface modification: a review

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Emerging fields like regenerative medicine and tissue engineering require advanced materials with specific properties (biocompatibility, mechanical strength, biodegradability, cell interaction).
• Single materials rarely meet all demands, necessitating strategies like composite materials or surface modification.
• Nonthermal plasma surface modification has emerged as a rapidly growing research area for tailoring material properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a tutorial introduction to surface engineering for researchers new to the field.
• To offer a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in plasma-based surface modification of polymeric biomaterials.
• To identify and discuss current trends and future research directions in plasma surface modification for biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on surface engineering principles.
• Detailed examination of plasma-based strategies for selective surface modification.
• Analysis of recent research trends and case studies in polymeric biomaterial modification.

Main Results:

• Nonthermal plasmas enable precise control over surface properties, overcoming limitations of bulk materials.
• Plasma treatments can significantly enhance cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation on biomaterials.
• Recent trends show increasing application of plasma techniques for creating functionalized biomaterial surfaces.

Conclusions:

• Plasma-based surface modification is a powerful tool for developing advanced biomaterials for medical applications.
• Further research into plasma-surface interactions will drive innovation in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
• Future trends include exploring novel plasma sources and advanced surface functionalization techniques.