Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) surface modification of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) for control of biocompatibility

Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) surface modification of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was performed in order to enhance the degree of biocompatibility. Polymer samples were irradiated by different number of EUV shots using a laser-plasma based EUV source in the presence of nitrogen gas. The physical and chemical properties of EUV modified PTFE samples were studied using Atomic Force Microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and water contact angle (WCA) methods. Pronounced wall type micro and nano-structures appeared on the EUV treated polymer surfaces resulting in increased surface roughness and hydrophobicity. Stronger cell adhesion and good cell morphology were observed on EUV modified surfaces by in-vitro cell culture studies performed using L929 fibroblasts.