Polytetrafluoroethylene Surface Modification Using Atmospheric-Pressure Plasma Polymerization

Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) has been widely used in the medical field for bone regeneration around implants and as a maxillofacial tissue filling alternative. The purpose of this study was to investigate the surface properties and biocompatibility of surface modified e-PTFE prepared by atmospheric-pressure acrylic acid (AA) plasma polymerization. After the AA plasma polymerization, surface properties such as hydrophilicity, roughness, and morphology were characterized using water contact angle measurements, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The contact angle and surface roughness of plasma-polymerized e-PTFE decreased significantly. In vitro results showed higher cell proliferation and good cell adhesion. Atmospheric-pressure AA plasma polymerization may be used to improve the biocompatibility of e-PTFE-based biomaterials.