Effect of surface modification of poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) membranes by low-pressure plasma on support cell biocompatibility

There has been a lack of success in using synthetic nerve guides to close long lesion gaps. However, new approaches in molecular design, synthesis and fabrication offer great promise. In this study, a 13.56 MHz inductively-coupled discharge plasma reactor with an ammonia and argon gas mix was used to modify the surfaces of synthetic, biodegradable copolyester poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL, 70:30 mol%) electrospun membranes. The presence of NH2 groups on the PLCL surface were revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Vibrational calculation of NH3 adsorbed on the membrane surface of PLCL was determined through DFT calculations. Membranes of PLCL treated with NH3 showed significantly greater hydrophilicities which were a consequence of the NH3 plasma-induced polar groups. Treated membranes had reduced cell adhesion barriers and consequently greater cell adhesion suggesting enhanced biocompatibilities compared to their untreated counterparts. Thus, PLCL membranes treated with NH3 plasma have been shown to be promising materials for use as absorbable nerve guides.