AVS 49th International Symposium
    Plasma Science Tuesday Sessions
       Session PS-TuP

Paper PS-TuP25
Surface Modification of Polymers in the Development of Anti-Microbial Coatings for Medical Devices

Tuesday, November 5, 2002, 5:30 pm, Room Exhibit Hall B2

Session: Plasma Applications
Presenter: G.Sh. Malkov, Colorado State University
Authors: G.Sh. Malkov, Colorado State University
E.R. Fisher, Colorado State University
Correspondent: Click to Email
The applying of polymers in medical devices requires strict control over material surface chemistry. Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PE-CVD) of fluorinated monomers is a useful technique for altering the surface chemistry without affecting bulk properties and obtaining low energy surfaces. Plasma-deposited fluoropolymers demonstrate chemical inertness, lubricity, and blood compatibility. In this study, we have investigated the surface modification and characterization of polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride. Chemistry and wettability differences of modification steps were characterized using angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and static contact angle measurements. Polymer surfaces have been coated by the thin film deposition using a capacitively coupled pulsed plasma RF-discharge system with C@sub 3@F@sub 8@ and C@sub 4@F@sub 8@ as precursors. Resulting fluorocarbon films display a high hydrophobicity (water contact angle ~110°). Then the samples were activated by RF-plasma glow discharge in the presence of argon gas and coated with Pluronic F-108, which is inert to cell adhesion. The water contact angles decreased to approximately 60°. Differences in the ability to modify the fluoropolymers, depending on both monomers and plasma polymerization conditions, are observed. The composition of the surfaces will be presented as well as data from ageing studies. Preliminary XPS and contact angle measurements show a change in composition of the surfaces on time. Data from protein adhesion studies using fluorescently tagged proteins will also be presented.