Related Experiment Videos
Surface characterization and platelet adhesion studies of plasma-sulphonated polyethylene
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706.
Biomaterials
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Plasma treatment of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with allyl phenyl sulphone reduced platelet activation, while sulphur dioxide treatment increased it. Surface properties and platelet interactions were analyzed.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Polymer Engineering
Background:
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a common biomaterial, but its surface properties can lead to undesirable platelet activation.
- Plasma treatment is a technique used to modify polymer surfaces for biomedical applications.
- Understanding how different plasma treatments affect surface characteristics and biological interactions is crucial for developing advanced biomaterials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and allyl phenyl sulphone plasma treatments on low-density polyethylene (LDPE).
- To evaluate canine platelet adhesion and spreading on these modified surfaces.
- To correlate surface properties, such as hydrophilicity and atomic composition, with platelet activation.
Main Methods:
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) samples were treated with SO2 and allyl phenyl sulphone plasma at varying excitation energies (e.g., 5 W).
- Surface chemical composition was analyzed using Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA) to determine the S:C atomic ratio.
- Surface hydrophilicity was measured, and changes over time were monitored.
- Canine platelet adhesion and spreading were assessed on the treated and untreated LDPE surfaces.
Main Results:
- Both SO2 and allyl phenyl sulphone plasma treatments increased surface hydrophilicity and the S:C atomic ratio.
- Surface hydrophilicity decreased over time, potentially due to functional group diffusion or hydrocarbon migration.
- Allyl phenyl sulphone plasma-treated LDPE exhibited significantly reduced platelet adhesion and spreading, irrespective of plasma energy.
- SO2 plasma-treated LDPE showed increased platelet activation compared to untreated LDPE, with lower activation at 5 W excitation energy.
Conclusions:
- Allyl phenyl sulphone plasma treatment is a promising method for creating LDPE surfaces with reduced platelet activation, suitable for biomedical applications.
- SO2 plasma treatment, particularly at higher energies, enhances platelet activation on LDPE, suggesting it may be less suitable for blood-contacting devices.
- Surface chemistry modifications, including increased sulphur incorporation and altered hydrophilicity, play a key role in modulating platelet-material interactions.