Three-dimensional (3D) polymeric materials used for biomedical and water filtration applications suffer from bacterial attachment and protein adsorption resulting in fouling.  Modifying the surface properties can limit this biofouling. In wound healing applications, the ideal 3D scaffold would be compatible with mammalian cells while also having antimicrobial properties.  Alternatively, microporous membranes used in water filtration systems must remove bacteria, organic matter, and particulates from the watercourse and resist biofouling. Plasma processing offers an advantageous route to achieve both goals as it can tunably tailor the surface properties of the materials while retaining the bulk properties.  Here, we will describe the surface modification of 3D polysulfone microfiltration membranes and polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds using H<sub>2</sub>O (g) plasma treatment to create hydrophilic and low fouling materials.  Indeed, water contact angle data show a significant increase in wettability of treated membranes and scaffolds throughout the matrices.  Water flux through treated ultrafiltration membranes increased ~50% over untreated materials and preliminary data reveal bovine serum albumin adsorption on treated membranes is significantly lower than that on an untreated membrane.  Results from the incorporation of biocidal agents to enhance antimicrobial properties and reduce biofouling for both PCL scaffolds and polysulfone membranes suggest plasma treatment improves overall performance of these materials.  Data from biocidal agent leaching studies as well as cell and bacterial attachment studies will also be presented.

Low-temperature plasma surface modification of porous polymeric materials for environmental and medical applications

249th National Meeting (2015)

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