Surface Modification of Biomedical Scaffolds by Plasma Treatment

The effects of plasma treatment on the surface roughness and hydrophility of polymer materials used as biodegradable scaffolds (polylactide films, sponges, and nonwoven fibrous sheets) have been studied. Two methods have been used for quantitative estimation of changes: three-dimensional reconstruction of the scaffold surfaces using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and BET physical adsorption analysis. Proceeding from the experimental results, it is established that plasma treatment forms nano- and micropits on the sample surface and thus increases its hydrophility (moreover, the surface morphology can be varied by changing the treatment duration). It is shown that plasma treatment is an efficient method for controlled increase in the roughness of polymer materials, which can lead to enhancement of adhesion and proliferation of cells.