Abstract
In this study, a novel simple and fast method was developed of immobilizing a natural polysaccharide (chitosan) on a polylactide (PLA) surface. In order to overcome the lack of surface adhesion between the chitosan and the PLA due to incompatibility issues, atmospheric pressure plasma was used. The plasma activation was able to modify the PLA surface by generating surface chemistry proper for stabilizing the chitosan layer. The activation of the surface was monitored through water contact angle (WCA) measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Indeed, the introduction of new functionalities lowers the hydrophobicity of the PLA surface allowing an effective spreading and immobilization of the chitosan layer. The presence of chitosan on the polyester’s surface was proven by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
Highlights
Tissue engineering (TE) is a multidisciplinary field of science focused on the regeneration of damaged living tissues [1]
In order to fully assess the different steps of the process (Figure 1), (i) the plasma conditions were defined to prevent any modification of the PLA bulk or over-degradation of the polyester surface; (ii) the surface chemistry of the PLA was completely studied; and (iii) the chitosan layer deposition was investigated
When applied to the untreated and the plasma-activated PLA surfaces, this accessible and well-known technique showed a sharp decrease of about 30° in water contact angle (WCA) (Figure 2)
Summary
Tissue engineering (TE) is a multidisciplinary field of science focused on the regeneration of damaged living tissues [1]. Biodegradability, and bioresorbability, the adhesion of cells to the surface of the hydrophobic PLA remains a major challenge.[3], which limits the polyester uses in the biomedical field [4]. One of them relies on the introduction of bio(macro)molecules onto the surface of the polyester In this respect, chitosan gains interest for its outstanding biological properties related with cell adhesion and antimicrobial and wound dressing properties. Chitosan modification or covalent crosslinking is used to anchor the biopolymer onto the PLA surface This significantly alters chitosan’s biological activity and limits the success of the final scaffolds. A microwave atmospheric plasma torch was used to improve the adhesion of chitosan to the PLA surface. The presence of chitosan was investigated by FTIR and WCA
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