Cell Attachment and Laminin Immobilization on Hydrogels Coated by Plasma Deposited Nitrogen, Oxygen or Sulfur Based Organic Thin Films

Hydrogels are surfaces suitable for use as biomedical devices. Contact lenses are commonly used biomedical devices made from hydrogels. To enhance the application of contact lenses as cell delivery options, surface modification using low-pressure plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The study investigated cell attachment on a few types of plasma deposited organic films: two types each of pure ethylene plasma polymer films, O-rich, N-rich and S-rich films on top of the hydrogels. The films led to changes in wettability, protein adsorption and the mechanical properties of the hydrogel surfaces, which are factors affecting cell proliferation. These films were also investigated for stability towards steam sterilisation Finally, these films stable towards water exposure and steam sterilisation were used to immobilize laminin in order to improve cell proliferation. The study investigated the possibility of using surface modified contact lenses could to deliver cell therapies to the eye environment.