title: Plasma-assisted hydrophilization of cochlear implant electrode array surfaces enables adhesion of neurotrophin-secreting cells.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate plasma treatment for enhancing the biocompatibility of cochlear implant (CI) silicone surfaces, thus allowing colonization with human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) that are known to provide neurotrophic support.
  
  
  METHODS
  Silicone samples and CI electrode arrays were treated with 4 low-pressure plasmas of different characteristics. The hydrophilicity of plasma-treated and control surfaces as well as the adherence and morphology of hASCs were assessed. Finally, the insertion forces of electrode arrays were determined and the colonization potential of the electrode arrays with hASCs were tested.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The hydrophilicity of the silicone surfaces was significantly enhanced after plasma treatment, as was the adherence of hASCs. The characteristic morphology of hASCs was observed when grown on plasma-treated but not on untreated silicone surfaces. The insertion forces of plasma-treated electrode arrays were similar to those of untreated arrays, and the colonization of plasma-treated electrode arrays with hASCs was feasible.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Plasma treatment of CI electrode arrays enhances their biocompatibility and allows for the colonization with hASCs that are known to produce neurotrophic factors.
authors.affiliation: Comprehensive Hearing Center, Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Philipp
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schendzielorz
authors.forename: Tobias
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Schmitz
authors.forename: Claus
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Moseke
authors.forename: Uwe
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Gbureck
authors.forename: Katrin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Frölich
authors.forename: Kristen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rak
authors.forename: Jürgen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Groll
authors.forename: Rudolf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hagen
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Radeloff
mesh_terms: D053687:Adult Stem Cells / Q000637:transplantation*; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002452:Cell Count; D002470:Cell Survival; D019929:Cochlear Implantation; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D005740:Gases; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism*; D012828:Silicones; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D005740:Gases; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D012828:Silicones