Surface modification of electrospun poly-(l-lactic) acid scaffolds by reactive magnetron sputtering

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Engineering
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Bioresorbable electrospun poly-(l-lactic) acid (PLLA) scaffolds are promising for tissue regeneration.
• Surface modification is crucial for improving scaffold performance and biocompatibility.
• Titanium-based coatings offer potential benefits for biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To modify the surface of PLLA scaffolds using reactive magnetron sputtering with titanium.
• To investigate the effect of plasma treatment time on scaffold properties.
• To evaluate the in vivo biocompatibility and tissue integration of modified scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• Reactive magnetron sputtering of titanium under a nitrogen atmosphere.
• Surface characterization using SEM, XRF, FTIR, XRD, and optical goniometry.
• Physicomechanical testing and in vivo subcutaneous implantation in a rat model.

Main Results:

• Plasma treatment successfully coated PLLA scaffolds with titanium without altering physicomechanical properties.
• Scaffold hydrophilicity was significantly increased by the titanium coating.
• No adverse tissue reactions were observed up to 3 months post-implantation.
• The rate of scaffold replacement by host tissue was dependent on plasma treatment duration.

Conclusions:

• Surface modification of PLLA scaffolds with titanium via reactive magnetron sputtering is a viable strategy.
• The modified scaffolds exhibit enhanced hydrophilicity and excellent biocompatibility.
• Plasma treatment time is a critical factor influencing the in vivo tissue integration of these novel biomaterials.