Cytocompatibility of Ar+ plasma treated and Au nanoparticle-grafted PE

Surface characterization of plasma treated polymers for applications as biocompatible carriers

“…The samples were sterilized for 1 h in ethanol (75%), air-dried, inserted into polystyrene 12-well plates (TPP, Switzerland; well diameter 20 mm) and seeded with vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) derived from the rat aorta by an explantation method [10]. The procedure of cell's seeding is well described in [3]. The cell proliferation activity was estimated from the increase in the cell numbers achieved on the 1 st , 3 rd and 7 th days after seeding [3].…”

“…The volatile species can be created during plasma exposure. The commonly used gases for plasma treatments are argon or nitrogen [1][2][3]5]. The degree (efficiency) of etching during plasma processes depends on the density of active species and intensity (power) of ion bombardment towards the surface.…”

“…The samples were modified in diode plasma discharge on Balzers SCD 050 device for 0-400 s (BalTec Maschinenbau AG, Pfäffikon, Switzerland), using DC Ar plasma (gas purity was 99.997%, power 5 and 10 W). Process parameters were: Ar flow 0.3 L·s , the interelectrode distance of 50 mm, chamber volume 1000 cm 3 . The sample is located on the cathode during the modification and its position is perpendicular to the flow.…”

Gold Nanostructures Prepared on Solid Surface

“…Of the many elements and compounds from which nanowires may be made, gold is technologically important for its low electrical resistivity (2.21 Ω cm) [27], its inertness to attack by air and its resistance to sulfur-based tarnishing [28]. Additionally, gold is more biocompatible than most metals, rendering it suitable for implantation [29,30] or electrical interfacing with cells [31,32] and tissues in nanobiological applications [33][34][35].…”

The Properties and Application of Carbon Nanostructures

“…Sputtered or evaporated [37] carbon structures can create nanostructures of different electrical or morphological properties. The opportunities for systematic investigation of nanolayers structures [38][39][40][41][42] are very promising for new application both in electronics or nanoengineering and biomedicine.…”