Localized plasma treatment of poly(dimethylsiloxane) surfaces and its application to controlled cell cultivation

Abstract

Localized surface treatment of biocompatible polymer material, poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) using a scanning microjet (SMJ) has been studied for the control of biological cells' attachment on it. Previously, we developed an atmospheric-pressure argon/oxygen (Ar/O2) radical microjet system and used it for modifying PDMS surface. In this study, we examined argon/nitrogen (Ar/N2) plasma system and compared it with the previous study using Ar/O2 system in terms of degree of hydrophilicity, chemical state, surface morphology and cell adhesion. The results from the Ar/N2 system showed interesting phenomena that indicate promising potentials for application in controlling cell adhesion. ©2006TAPJ.