On‐Demand Bioactivation of Inert Materials With Plasma‐Polymerized Nanoparticles

Abstract

Conventional gas plasma treatments are crucial for functionalizing materials in biomedical applications, but have limitations that hinder their broader use. These methods require exposure to reactive media under vacuum conditions, rendering them unsuitable for substrates that demand aqueous environments, such as proteins and hydrogels. Additionally, complex geometries are difficult to treat, necessitating extensive customization for each material and shape. To address these constraints, we propose an innovative approach employing plasma polymer nanoparticles (PPN) as a versatile functionalisation tool. PPN share similarities with traditional plasma polymer coatings (PPC) but offer unique advantages: compatibility with aqueous systems, the ability to modify complex geometries, and availability as off‐the‐shelf products. In our study, we demonstrate robust immobilization of PPN on various substrates, including synthetic polymers, proteins, and complex hydrogel structures. This results in substantial improvements in surface hydrophilicity. Materials functionalisation with arginylglycylaspartic acid (RGD)‐loaded PPN, significantly enhances cell attachment, spreading, and substrate coverage on inert scaffolds compared to passive RGD coatings. We also demonstrate improved adhesion to complex geometries and subsequent differentiation following growth factor exposure. Our research introduces a novel substrate functionalisation approach that mimics the outcomes of plasma coating technology but vastly expands its applicability, promising advancements in biomedical materials and devices.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved