Investigation on surface properties of superhydrophobic nanocomposites based on polyvinyl chloride and correlation with cell adhesion behavior

摘要

>The main aim was to study the roles of structural homogeneity and superhydrophobicity on the adhesion of SW colon cancer cells on the surface of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nanocomposites. Concurrent use of a proper nonsolvent (ethanol) and silica nanoparticles resulted in superhydrophobic behavior and also different surface structures. The effect of added‐ethanol content on the surface properties of PVC nanocomposites was also studied. The synergetic combination of silica and ethanol has led to the formation of a porous surface layer resulting in a considerable boost in the hydrophobic behavior. The scanning electron microscopy, roughness, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis results were all in total agreement indicating the substantial change in surface morphology, topography, and composition once the ethanol content was increased to 50?vol.%. The surface structure was notably changed by the addition of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) nanoparticles. It was found that the induced inhomogeneity as a result of POSS addition had an adverse effect on the surface properties. In conclusion, superhydrophobicity could be regarded as a prerequisite for achieving cell‐repellent behavior, but it cannot guarantee a cell repellent surface especially if the surface layer possesses structural inhomogeneity.