Deposition of Functional Polymer Thin Films Using AtmosphericPressure Plasma for Biomedical Applications – Endothelialization ofVascular Prostheses

摘要

Functionalized plasma polymer thin films were obtained a dielectric barrier discharge at atmospheric pressure in an atmosphere of N_2 and C_2H_4. The coatings were hydrophilic, adherent, chemically stable and preserited a surface concentration of NH_2 suitable for further biomolecule conjugation. Covalent grafting of a linking arm (glutaric anhydride) and subsequent conjugation of fibronectin, a protein of the extracellular matrix, were successful. Finally, endothelial cell adhesion experiments were performed directly on the functionalized thin films 'as well as on the conjugated coatings. Effects.on cell adhesion were observed as a function of the plasma thin film deposition parameters.