| AVS 63rd International Symposium & Exhibition | |
| Plasma Processing for Biomedical Applications Focus Topic | Monday Sessions |
| Session PB+BI+PS-MoA |
| Session: | Plasma Processing of Biomaterials |
| Presenter: | Liam O'Neill, TheraDep, Ireland |
| Authors: | L. O'Neill, TheraDep, Ireland J. O'Donoghue, TheraDep, Ireland |
| Correspondent: | Click to Email |
The interaction of plasma with biomolecules is generally viewed as being a simple degradation reaction in which the plasma denatures any biologic material it encounters. Using a combination of heat, UV, free radicals, electrons and ions from the plasma, it is possible to cut, oxidise, burn and even ablate biological materials and this has established plasma sterilisation as a trusted technique in science, medicine and engineering.
However, recent research in our labs has shown that it is possible to minimise these effects and to instead use the plasma to cross-link biologic materials with retention of the biological properties of the precursor materials. Using low levels of applied plasma power, it is possible to produce low energy helium and argon plasma discharges. When biomolecules are nebulised into such a low temperature plasma, the materials are activated without losing their chemical structure. This activation can then effectively cross-link or coagulate the biomolecule without significant degradation. In addition, the plasma can activate substrates and effectively bind the biomolecules to the substrate as a thin nano-scale coating.
The result is a one-step process capable of modifying the surface of medical devices, research and diagnostic lab ware, implants and even living tissue. Tailored biological surfaces can be grown in situ over large areas using established equipment systems. The mechanisms used to control such reactions and to move the plasma from degradation to cross-linking modes are now being established and will be discussed. Examples of protein and polysaccharide coatings produced to date will also be presented.