AVS 49th International Symposium
    Plasma Science Wednesday Sessions
       Session PS+BI-WeA

Invited Paper PS+BI-WeA1
Application of Plasma in Tissue Engineering

Wednesday, November 6, 2002, 2:00 pm, Room C-103

Session: Plasma Processing for Biocompatible Surfaces
Presenter: R.D. Short, University of Sheffield, UK
Authors: R.D. Short, University of Sheffield, UK
D.B. Haddow, University of Sheffield, UK
S. MacNeil, University of Sheffield, UK
R.A. Dawson, University of Sheffield, UK
D. Barton, University of Sheffield, UK
S. Fraser, University of Sheffield, UK
Correspondent: Click to Email
A novel device which comprises an acrylic acid plasma polymerized carrier substrate, which supports the attachment and release of human keratinocytes, has been used to successfully treat non-healing (chronic) skin wounds. In proof of concept studies, weekly delivery of keratinocytes, initially obtained from a small 2x1cm biopsy and expanded up many hundred fold, have promoted healing in diabetic foot ulcers and other indications. In this paper we explain the rationale behind this therapy and review the results (to date) from the treatment of the first seven patients. Although the "mode of action" of the device is still to be fully understood, the role the plasma polymer plays in promoting cell attachment and detachment is key to the success of the device. The physical and chemical nature of the plasma polymer has been explored in some detail, and to a first approximation, we are able to describe the features of the plasma polymer that promote cell attachment and speculate on why cells transfer to an in vitro human dermal wound bed model. By means of a multi-technique approach (mass spectrometry,quartz crystal microbalance, ion flux probe, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectrometry) we have begun to unravel the processes by which the acrylic acid plasma polymer grows. A case is made for better understanding of plasma polymer growth mechanisms, rather than treating the plasma polymerization process as a "black box" that produces materials with desired properties.