Plasma-induced grafting of polydimethylsiloxane onto polyurethane surface: Characterization and in vitro assay

Plasma-induced grafting of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) onto the surface of polyurethane (PU) film. The virgin, plasma treated, and PDMS grafted PU films were characterized by means of attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, water drop contact angle measurements, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The ATR-FTIR spectrogram of the grafted film showed the new characteristic peaks of PDMS. These grafted surfaces exhibited higher hydrophobicity and homogenous morphology. In vitro cell culture study showed that modified surfaces as well as virgin film were compatible with fibroblast cells. The formation of graft polymers combines the biostability of silicone with excellent physical and mechanical properties of PU.