In vitro biofilms formation on polymer matrix composites

Aim of this work was a surface modification and characterisation of composite membrane materials destined for regeneration of damaged bone tissue. The materials consisted of stable, hydrophobic PTFE–PVDF–PP polymer and resorbable, hydrophilic biopolymer fibres made of sodium alginate (NaAlg). The fibres were washed-out with water to create open porosity in the membranes, and part of the dissolved sodium alginate deposited on the composite surface. Distribution of a biopolymer layer modifying the composite surface was investigated with FT-IR method. FT-IR reflection (ATR) and transmission techniques revealed that the surface modification had a domain-type character. The deposited sodium alginate modified physicochemical properties of the membrane i.e., lowered the wetting angle, and increased the surface free energy. Such surface characteristics may be advantageous for cells adhesion and proliferation process in in vitro and in vivo conditions.