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Atmospheric-Pressure Plasma-Modified NiTi Surfaces with Tunable Wettability for Optimized Cellular Response and
Karolina Szawiraacz1, Lara Maierbrugger2, Harald Parizek2
1Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science Polish Academy of Sciences, Reymonta 25 Street, Krakow 30-059, Poland.
ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering
|May 28, 2026
Summary
Atmospheric-pressure plasma treatment modifies nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloy surfaces, controlling wettability to enhance biocompatibility. This surface engineering selectively regulates cellular and blood interactions for improved biomedical implants.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloys are crucial biomaterials, but their biological performance depends on surface interactions.
- Controlling protein adsorption, cellular behavior, and blood compatibility is key to optimizing NiTi-based implants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how atmospheric-pressure plasma treatment modifies NiTi surfaces to control wettability.
- To elucidate the effects of altered NiTi surface wettability on protein adsorption, cellular responses, and hemocompatibility.
Main Methods:
- Atmospheric-pressure plasma treatment to create hydrophilic, intermediate, and hydrophobic NiTi surfaces.
- Surface characterization using contact angle, surface free energy, and protein adsorption assays.
- In vitro evaluation of normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) interactions and hemocompatibility using dynamic assays.
Main Results:
- Plasma treatment successfully generated distinct NiTi surface wettability states.
- Surface wettability significantly influenced protein adsorption, fibroblast adhesion, morphology, proliferation, and cytotoxicity.
- Hydrophilic and intermediate surfaces enhanced fibroblast activity, while hydrophobic surfaces increased platelet activation.
Conclusions:
- Plasma-engineered control of NiTi surface wettability offers a versatile strategy for modulating biological responses.
- Tailoring NiTi surface properties can selectively enhance cellular interactions and hemocompatibility.
- This approach holds promise for optimizing the biocompatibility of NiTi biomedical implants.
