Three dimensional (3D) substrates have become of interest because of their potential uses in a range of applications, including tissue engineering.  Plasma surface modification of biodegradable polymers such as poly (e-caprolactone) (PCL) have been studied, with a focus on depositing thin films onto 3D polymer scaffolds.  We used inductively-coupled plasmas to explore plasma surface modification of porous 3D PCL scaffolds with non-depositing systems such as H2O, N2, and Ar, creating permanently hydrophilic surfaces, some with high N content.  Preliminary results from cell-seeding studies suggest Soas-2 osteoblast cells have a higher affinity for modified scaffolds than untreated substrates, and substrates with high N incorporation show additional increases in cell growth within scaffolds.  This presentation will focus on challenges associated with both surface modification strategies for 3D substrates and challenges associated with appropriate and accurate characterization of these materials.  Additional results from alternate scaffold materials and plasma chemistries will be presented.

Plasma-surface modification for improved biocompatibility and next generation biomaterials

245th National Meeting (2013)

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