Electrospun Poly-L-Lactic Acid Scaffolds Surface-Modified via Reactive Magnetron Sputtering Using Different Mixing...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Engineering
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Controlled regeneration using scaffolds is key in tissue engineering.
• Reactive magnetron sputtering offers versatile surface modification for various substrates.
• The influence of nitrogen/xenon gas mixtures in sputtering on poly-L-lactic acid scaffolds remains unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of nitrogen/xenon gas mixture ratios in DC magnetron sputtering on poly-L-lactic acid scaffolds.
• To evaluate the impact on deposition rate, physicochemical properties, and in vitro performance.
• To assess the biocompatibility and osteogenic potential of modified scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• Surface modification of poly-L-lactic acid scaffolds using DC magnetron sputtering with a titanium target.
• Utilizing varying ratios of nitrogen and xenon as working gases.
• Characterization using spectroscopic analysis and atomic force microscopy.
• In vitro evaluation with human osteosarcoma cells.

Main Results:

• Magnetron sputtering parameters preserved scaffold morphology while increasing hydrophilicity.
• Coatings primarily consisted of titanium oxide and titanium oxynitride, with minor dependence on gas ratio.
• Plasma modification reduced surface roughness due to thermal and radiation effects.
• Scaffolds showed no cytotoxicity, promoting cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation.

Conclusions:

• Nitrogen/xenon plasma surface modification is effective for enhancing poly-L-lactic acid scaffolds.
• The modified scaffolds exhibit improved biocompatibility and osteogenic potential.
• This technique offers a promising avenue for advanced tissue engineering applications.