IR LASER SURFACE MODIFICATION OF POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE AS BIOMATERIAL

Abstract

There have been a number of attempts to create a novel surface that reduces the adverse effects of blood interaction with material . Among various techniques, laser-induced surface modification is highly suitable for this purpose. This paper presents surface modification of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using CO2 pulsed laser. The changes in surface properties were investigated by SEM, attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and water drop contact angle measurements . The complicated microstructures on the PET surface were observed in SEM micrographs. ATR-IR spectra showed that the crystallinity decreased in the surface region as a result of laser irradiation . The water drop contact angle also decreased with increasing the laser pulses . The haemocompatibility of CO2 laser irradiated PET was examined in vitro, evaluating its capability of inducing platelet adhesion in comparison with the unmodified PET The number of adhered platelets was determined by platelet-rich plasma method and lactate dehydrogenase activity measurements . Platelet adhesion on the untreated PET was relatively high . Laser irradiation of PET surface reduced the number of adherent platelets and prevented platelet spreading on the surface . The extent of platelet adhesion was correlated to the number of laser pulses.