Polystyrene surface modification using excimer laser and radio-frequency plasma: blood compatibility evaluations.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Biocompatibility

Background:

• Biomaterial surface modification is crucial for controlling interactions between blood components and materials.
• Polystyrene (PS) is a common biomaterial whose surface properties can be altered to improve its performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of ArF excimer laser irradiation and radio-frequency (RF) plasma treatment on polystyrene surface characteristics.
• To evaluate the impact of these surface modifications on the blood compatibility of polystyrene.

Main Methods:

• Surface modification using ArF excimer laser irradiation and RF plasma treatment.
• Characterization of surface morphology and chemistry via Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).
• Evaluation of wettability and surface energy using contact angle and surface tension measurements.
• Assessment of blood compatibility using the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay.

Main Results:

• Laser treatment induced distinct nanostructures on the PS surface.
• Both laser and plasma treatments created a wide range of surface wettability and energy properties.
• Surface modification significantly enhanced the blood compatibility of PS films.
• Optimal blood compatibility was observed with 5 pulses of laser irradiation and 4 minutes of oxygen plasma treatment.

Conclusions:

• ArF excimer laser irradiation and RF plasma treatment are effective methods for modifying PS surface properties.
• These modifications lead to improved blood compatibility of polystyrene biomaterials.
• Specific treatment parameters (5 laser pulses, 4 min O2 plasma) yield the most favorable blood compatibility.