Abstract-A hollow-cathode microplasma was used to modify the lumenal surface of small-diameter polyethylene (PE). We make use of two microplasma diagnostics to monitor the plasma properties during the treatment process. A microwave cavity was used to measure the density of the microplasma. Emitted light from the microplasma was fed into a monochromator at various positions along the PE tube to assess uniformity of the microplasma. Effectiveness of plasma treatments were evaluated using the capillary-rise method at various positions along the tubing. We show a correlation between the properties of the inner surface of the PE tubing and the light emitted from the plasma. A Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) surfactant was immobilized to the lumenal surface of the PE tubing using the microplasma discharge. An in vitro blood-circulation loop was constructed to test the hematocompatibility of the PE tubes. After blood exposure, scanning electron microscope images were taken to assess the density of adhering platelets along the length of the tubes. The plasma-treated tubing showed fewer blood adherents than the untreated tubing. By suitably controlling the pressure drop along the tube, the uniformity of the microplasma treatment along the tubing can be optimized.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.