AVS 62nd International Symposium & Exhibition
    Plasma Science and Technology Tuesday Sessions
       Session PS+BI+SM-TuM

Paper PS+BI+SM-TuM13
Low-Temperature Plasma Surface Modification of Porous Polymeric Materials for Environmental and Medical Applications

Tuesday, October 20, 2015, 12:00 pm, Room 210A

Session: Plasmas for Medicine and Biological Applications
Presenter: Michelle Mann, Colorado State University
Authors: M.N. Mann, Colorado State University
A. Pegalajar-Jurado, Colorado State University
E.R. Fisher, Colorado State University
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Three-dimensional (3D) porous polymeric materials are widely used in biomedical and environmental applications, such as wound healing and water filtration. Polymers used for these applications are chosen for their mechanical properties and porosity, yet the surface properties, such as hydrophobicity, limit their use in aqueous environments. For example, polymeric ultrafiltration membranes typically require pretreatment before use and tend to foul due to adsorption of biomolecules in the watercourse. Bioresorbable polymeric scaffolds used for wound healing are prone to attachment of bacteria, leading to prolonged infection at the wound site. These issues can be addressed with two simultaneous approaches. To prevent bacterial attachment and proliferation, antibacterial properties can be introduced into the materials via incorporation of biocidal agents or antibacterial coatings. Moreover, surface modification can be used to create more compatible polymeric materials by increasing wettability. Through plasma processing, tailored surface modification can be achieved while retaining the morphology and bulk properties of the material. Here, we will describe the modification of ultrafiltration polysulfone (UPS) membranes and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds to create low-fouling materials with enhanced wettability. H2O (g) plasma treatment of UPS membranes and PCL scaffolds results in materials with significantly enhanced wettability while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images demonstrate porous morphology is maintained. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data show an increase in surface oxygen content throughout the membrane cross-section after plasma treatment, and modified UPS membranes demonstrate a significant increase in initial water flux. In addition, the performance of modified UPS membranes in the filtration of biological solutions will also be discussed. Furthermore, the biological performance of PCL scaffolds incorporated with various biocidal agents will be presented along with biocidal agent leaching studies.