title: Challenges in the characterization of plasma-processed three-dimensional polymeric scaffolds for biomedical applications.
abstract: Low-temperature plasmas offer a versatile method for delivering tailored functionality to a range of materials. Despite the vast array of choices offered by plasma processing techniques, there remain a significant number of hurdles that must be overcome to allow this methodology to realize its full potential in the area of biocompatible materials. Challenges include issues associated with analytical characterization, material structure, plasma processing, and uniform composition following treatment. Specific examples and solutions are presented utilizing results from analyses of three-dimensional (3D) poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffolds treated with different plasma surface modification strategies that illustrate these challenges well. Notably, many of these strategies result in 3D scaffolds that are extremely hydrophilic and that enhance human Saos-2 osteoblast cell growth and proliferation, which are promising results for applications including tissue engineering and advanced biomedical devices.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University , Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1872, United States.
authors.forename: Ellen R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Fisher
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000528:radiation effects; D002460:Cell Line; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D044367:Phase Transition; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000528:radiation effects; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects; D013499:Surface Properties / Q000187:drug effects; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; C016240:polycaprolactone