Laser surface modification of polymers to improve biocompatibility: HEMA grafted PDMS, in vitro assay - III

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface modifications were carried out using CO 2-pulsed laser, without photosensitizer at ambient condition, ro introduce peroxide groups onto the PDMS surface. Such peroxides were capable of initi ating graft polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) onto the P DMS. The modified surfaces were characterized using a variety of techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflectance infrared (ATR-FTIR) and the water drop contact angle measurements. Data fr om in vitro assays indicated a significant reduction of the platelet adhesi on and aggregation for the modified surfaces. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd . All rights reserved.