Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
5367696 Applied Surface Science 2011 5 Pages PDF
Abstract

ArF laser treatment of polyethersulfone (PES) films was performed to improve biocompatibility of surfaces. For this purpose, the threshold fluence for laser ablation of PES was obtained from experimental measurements and then samples were irradiated at 2 separate ranges of fluences, i.e. below and above the ablation threshold. In order to investigate the physico-chemical changes, the modified surfaces were characterized by attenuated total reflectance (ATR) infrared spectroscopy and contact-angle measurements. The biocompatibility of the treated samples in comparison to those untreated was examined in vitro using a platelet adhesion test. The number of adhered platelets was obtained using the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) method. For surfaces irradiated below the ablation threshold, a high reduction in the number of the adhered platelets was observed; while this number increased in samples treated at the fluence above the ablation threshold. The change in platelet adhesion was attributed to the change in chemistry and roughness of the irradiated surfaces.

Research highlights► Platelet adhesion on PES decreases with ArF laser treatment at a fluence below the ablation threshold. ► Platelet adhesion on PES increases with ArF laser treatment at a fluence above the ablation threshold. ► The change in platelet adhesion is attributed to change in surface chemistry and surface roughness.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Chemistry Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
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