Low pressure plasma modifications for the generation of hydrophobic coatings for biomaterials applications

Abstract

This review focuses on low‐pressure plasma modification methods to produce hydrophobic coatings and surface modifications on biomaterials. Plasma‐deposited fluoropolymer, siloxane, and diamond‐like carbon (DLC) coatings are reviewed in terms of process developments, monomers used, stability and aging properties, and their behavior in adsorption of proteins, cell attachment, and bacterial adhesion. These hydrophobic coatings are stable with correct selection of monomers and process conditions, but the plasma polymerized siloxane and fluorocarbons have been mainly applied in biochip and test kits rather than in blood‐contact applications. Similarly, the surface characteristics and interfacial bonding of DLC coatings play a crucial role in their successful implementation.