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The relationship between cellular adhesion and surface roughness for polyurethane modified by microwave plasma
Saeed Heidari Keshel1, S Neda Kh Azhdadi, Azadeh Asefnejad
1Stem Cell Preparation Unit, Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
International Journal of Nanomedicine
|May 11, 2011
Summary
Microwave plasma treatment enhances polyurethane biocompatibility. Oxygen plasma treatment significantly improved stem cell adhesion and proliferation on modified medical polymers.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Surface Science
Background:
- Medical polymer surface modification is crucial for improving biocompatibility.
- Polyurethane is a widely used medical polymer.
- Plasma treatment offers a versatile method for surface functionalization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of microwave plasma treatment with oxygen and argon on polyurethane surface properties.
- To evaluate the impact of treatment duration on surface characteristics and biocompatibility.
- To assess the influence of plasma-induced surface changes on unrestricted somatic stem cell behavior.
Main Methods:
- Polyurethane samples were treated with microwave plasma using oxygen and argon gases for 30 and 60 seconds.
- Surface functional groups were analyzed using Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR).
- Surface topography and roughness were examined using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).
- Contact angle measurements were performed to assess surface wettability.
- Cellular adhesion, growth, and proliferation of unrestricted somatic stem cells were evaluated.
Main Results:
- ATR-FTIR confirmed the presence of new functional groups on the plasma-treated surfaces.
- AFM revealed nanometric surface topography changes, with oxygen plasma inducing higher roughness compared to argon plasma.
- Surface roughness increased with treatment time for oxygen plasma.
- Contact angle decreased for both oxygen and argon plasma treatments, with oxygen plasma yielding lower contact angles.
- Oxygen plasma treatment significantly enhanced stem cell adhesion, growth, and proliferation.
Conclusions:
- Microwave plasma treatment effectively modifies the surface of polyurethane, introducing functional groups and altering topography.
- Oxygen plasma treatment leads to increased surface roughness and reduced contact angle, enhancing biocompatibility.
- The modified polyurethane surfaces demonstrate improved performance for cell adhesion, growth, and proliferation, indicating potential for advanced medical applications.
