Leveraging the Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Process to Create Regenerative Biocidal ePTFE Membranes

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Surface Science
• Plasma Technology

Background:

• Surface modification of materials is crucial for developing advanced functional surfaces.
• Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma offers a versatile method for surface functionalization.
• Developing antibacterial surfaces is essential for preventing infections and controlling pathogen spread.

Purpose of the Study:

• To functionalize expanded poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (ePTFE) membranes with antibacterial properties using DBD plasma.
• To investigate the antibacterial efficacy and bacteria-releasing capabilities of modified ePTFE surfaces.
• To explore the potential of DBD plasma-treated ePTFE for pathogen containment applications.

Main Methods:

• Surface modification of ePTFE films using DBD plasma with DMAEMA or TMAEMA monomers.
• Physicochemical characterization of modified ePTFE membranes (surface energy, surface charge, porosity, pore size).
• Evaluation of bacteria killing-releasing (K-R) function and dead-end bacteria filtration assays using *Escherichia coli*.

Main Results:

• DBD plasma treatment enhanced surface energy and charge of ePTFE while preserving high porosity (>75%) and large pore size (>1.0 μm).
• Both DMAEMA- and TMAEMA-modified ePTFE exhibited antibacterial activity against *E. coli*.
• TMAEMA-grafted ePTFE demonstrated efficient killing (99.78%) and release of dead bacteria upon SHMP washing, unlike DMAEMA-grafted ePTFE.

Conclusions:

• DBD plasma treatment is an effective method for creating antibacterial ePTFE surfaces.
• TMAEMA grafting imparts a cationic charge, enabling both bacterial killing and facile removal of dead bacteria.
• These findings highlight the potential of DBD plasma-treated ePTFE for designing surfaces that aid in disease containment.