Atmospheric plasma: a simple way of improving the interface between natural polysaccharides and polyesters

Abstract

In this study, a novel simple and fast method was developed of immobilizing a natural polysaccharide (chitosan) on a polylactide (PLA) surface. In order to overcome the lack of surface adhesion between the chitosan and the PLA due to incompatibility issues, atmospheric pressure plasma was used. The plasma activation was able to modify the PLA surface by generating surface chemistry proper for stabilizing the chitosan layer. The activation of the surface was monitored through water contact angle (WCA) measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Indeed, the introduction of new functionalities lowers the hydrophobicity of the PLA surface allowing an effective spreading and immobilization of the chitosan layer. The presence of chitosan on the polyester’s surface was proven by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).

Evaluation of the In Vitro Antimicrobial Efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and epidermidis of a Novel 3D-Printed Degradable Drug Delivery System Based on Polycaprolactone/Chitosan/Vancomycin—Preclinical Study

“…A change in WCA is a clear indicator of a polymer surface chemistry modification [48]. The results obtained are in total accordance with the ones obtained by Carette et al, who studied the effects of atmospheric plasma on the surface of a polylactic acid (PLA) scaffold in order to improve the adhesion of a 1% chitosan solution, obtaining a decrease of about 30° in WCA (from 85° to 55°) after plasma activation [36]. A change in WCA is a clear indicator of a polymer surface chemistry modification [48].…”

“…Plasma treatments have recently been used to lower the hydrophobicity of polymer surfaces by forming reactive oxygen species (ROS) [ 36 ]. These newly formed reactive species generate hydrophilic groups (hydroxyl or carboxylic) on the polymer surface that can interact with the hydrogels [ 37 ].…”

“…Prior to visualization, the scaffolds were mounted on aluminum stubs with conductive paint and sputter-coated with platinum (10 mA, 120 s). SEM micrographs were Plasma treatments have recently been used to lower the hydrophobicity of polymer surfaces by forming reactive oxygen species (ROS) [36]. These newly formed reactive species generate hydrophilic groups (hydroxyl or carboxylic) on the polymer surface that can interact with the hydrogels [37].…”

Evaluation of the In Vitro Antimicrobial Efficacy Against <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> and <em>epidermidis </em>of a Novel 3D-Printed Degradable Drug Delivery System Based on Polycaprolactone/ Chitosan/ Vancomycin. Preclinical Study

“…A change in WCA is a clear indicator of a polymer surface chemistry modification [46]. The results obtained are in total accordance with the ones obtained by Carette et al who studied the effects of atmospheric plasma on the surface of a polylactic acid (PLA) scaffold in order to improve the adhesion of a 1% chitosan solution, obtaining a decrease of about 30° in WCA (from 85° to 55°) after plasma-activation [36].…”

“…Plasma treatments have been recently used to lower the hydrophobicity of polymer surfaces by forming Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) [36]. These newly formed reactive species generate hydrophilic groups (hydroxyl or carboxylic) on the polymer surface that can interact with the hydrogels [37].…”