Improved cell adhesion by plasma-induced grafting of L-lactide onto polyurethane surface

Lactide-grafted polyurethanes were prepared by exposing the polyurethane fi lms to argon plasma discharge, followed by grafting L-lactide onto the plas ma-treated surface. The modified surfaces were characterized by measuring t he static contact angle and by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). The water contact angle of polyurethanes was decreased by L-lactide grafting, indicating hydrophilicity of the modified surface. Grafting also increased the O/C atomic ratio and C-C=O/C-total percentage on the surface s as detected by ESCA. The grafted surfaces showed enhanced attachment and growth in both 3T3 fibroblast and human umbilical vein endothelial cell cul ture tests. Platelet adhesion to the modified surfaces was also reduced in vitro. L-Lactide monomers grafted onto polyurethane substrates could theref ore be useful in facilitating endothelial cell seeding process in small vas cular graft applications. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserve d.