Enhanced corrosion resistance and hemocompatibility of biomedical NiTi alloy by atmospheric-pressure plasma polymerized fluorine-rich coating

- Fluoropolymer is deposited on NiTi alloy via atmospheric-pressure plasma polymerization.
- The corrosion resistance of NiTi alloy in SBF and DMEM is evidently improved.
- The adsorption ratio of albumin to fibrinogen is increased on the coated surface.
- The reduced platelet adhesion number indicates better in vitro hemocompatibility.

To improve the corrosion resistance and hemocompatibility of biomedical NiTi alloy, hydrophobic polymer coatings are deposited by plasma polymerization in the presence of a fluorine-containing precursor using an atmospheric-pressure plasma jet. This process takes place at a low temperature in air and can be used to deposit fluoropolymer films using organic compounds that cannot be achieved by conventional polymerization techniques. The composition and chemical states of the polymer coatings are characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The corrosion behavior of the coated and bare NiTi samples is assessed and compared by polarization tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in physiological solutions including simulated body fluids (SBF) and Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's medium (DMEM). The corrosion resistance of the coated NiTi alloy is evidently improved. Protein adsorption and platelet adhesion tests reveal that the adsorption ratio of albumin to fibrinogen is increased and the number of adherent platelets on the coating is greatly reduced. The plasma polymerized coating renders NiTi better in vitro hemocompatibility and is promising as a protective and hemocompatible coating on cardiovascular implants.