AVS 51st International Symposium
    Plasma Science and Technology Friday Sessions
       Session PS+BI-FrM

Paper PS+BI-FrM8
Thiol-Based Plasma Polymer Coatings as Platforms for Biosciences Applications

Friday, November 19, 2004, 10:40 am, Room 213C

Session: Plasmas in Bioscience
Presenter: P.G. Hartley, CSIRO Molecular Science, Australia
Authors: P.G. Hartley, CSIRO Molecular Science, Australia
S.K. Øiseth, CSIRO Molecular Science, Australia
T.R. Gengenbach, CSIRO Molecular Science, Australia
G. Johnson, CSIRO Molecular Science, Australia
K.M. McLean, CSIRO Molecular Science, Australia
Correspondent: Click to Email
Radio frequency glow discharge plasma polymer coatings form robust thin films which contour and adhere strongly to the surfaces of polymeric and other materials. Their ability to modify surface properties, for example, to enhance biocompatibility or to introduce defined chemical functionalities at interfaces for the subsequent coupling of bioactive molecules have seen their widespread application in the field of biomaterials research. We report on the development of sulphur containing plasma polymers using ethanethiol as the feed monomer. In order to ascertain the influence of deposition conditions on the properties of the films, a range of protocols were employed. The films were characterised by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS); atomic force microscopy; streaming potential and contact angle measurements. Since XPS data are not sufficiently specific to distinguish between similar carbon-sulphur functional groups (e.g. thiol vs. sulphides), the nature and density of the surface functionalities were quantified by using a thiol specific maleimide containing probe. The stability of the films was tested by assessing coating thickness and chemistry before and after autoclaving. The effects of ageing in air, particularly with respect to the chemical structure were monitored over several months. The incorporation of sulphur functionalities provide reproducible supports for the subsequent grafting of proteins and for the adhesion of gold nanoparticles. The coatings were also shown to act as supporters of cell attachment and growth.