Mechanically responsive antibacterial plasma polymer coatings for textile biomaterials

Abstract

We have developed a new type of mechanically responsive material on the basis of a plasma-modified soft biomaterial substrate (polypropylene surgical mesh). A first plasma deposited layer, enriched in a bioactive agent (silver nanoparticles), has been covered by a second plasma polymer layer that acts as a barrier to spontaneous release. The release of the active agent in a controlled manner was achieved by the presence of mechanically reversible fragmentations in the top-layer of deposited plasma polymer, induced by mechanical stimuli. Characterization of the material was performed by Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Attenuated Total Reflexion-Fourier Transform Infra-Red, X-ray Photoelectron, and Ultra Violet-Visible Spectroscopies. The antibacterial properties of the material have been verified. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.