Acetylene plasma coated surfaces for covalent immobilization of proteins

Abstract

A modified plasma enhanced chemical vapor method was used for acetylene plasma polymerization of biocompatible surfaces on a range of substrates. Smooth polymerized surfaces with excellent mechanical properties were achieved suitable for a wide range of biochemical and biomedical applications. Horseradish peroxidase activity analysis showed that the proteins immobilized on the plasma polymerized surfaces maintained their biological function for a much longer period of time compared to untreated surfaces. The plasma polymerized surfaces and the protein immobilization were also analyzed using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation analysis, spectroscopic ellipsometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and tensile strength analysis. The results indicate that the plasma polymerized surfaces provide covalent bonding sites and immobilize a dense monolayer of proteins after incubation in protein containing solution.