A simple and effective treatment can make plastics more biocompatible by altering their surface properties. Jeffrey Schwartz and his group at Princeton University, US, work in the area of interfacial chemistry and noticed a persistent problem with polymers used in biomedical devices. When implanted in the body, the polymer comes in contact with bodily fluids and can be rejected as certain proteins and cells stick to its surface. 'The polymers' mechanical properties are great but surface issues are a stumbling block,' said Schwartz.
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