The deposition of thin titanium-nitrogen coatings on the surface of PCL-based scaffolds for vascular tissue engineering

Abstract

Biodegradable polymer scaffolds for tissue engineering is a promising technology for therapies of patients suffering from the loss of tissue or its function including cardiac tissues. However, limitations such as hydrophobicity of polymers prevent cell attachment, cell conductivity, and endothelialization. Plasma modification of polymers allows producing materials for an impressive range of applications due to their unique properties. Here, we demonstrate the possibility of bioresorbable electrospun polycaprolacton (PCL) scaffold surface modification by reactive magnetron sputtering of the titanium target in a nitrogen atmosphere. The influence of the plasma treatment time on the structure and properties of electrospun PCL scaffolds was studied. We show that the plasma treatment does not change the physico-mechanical properties of electrospun PCL scaffolds, leads to an increase in PCL scaffold biocompatibility, and, simultaneously, increases their hydrophilicity. In conclusion, this modification method opens a route to producing scaffolds with enhanced biocompatibility for tissue engineered vascular grafts.

Modification of PCL Scaffolds by Reactive Magnetron Sputtering: A Possibility for Modulating Macrophage Responses

“…Thus, despite of the fact that plasma treatment was conducted in dry 99.99% N2, the deposition of TiO2 instead of TiN is observed at all the studied parameters. As we reported earlier, the remaining water on the scaffold surface may account for this process 44 . Since the formation of TiO2 is thermodynamically favoured over TiN 44 , the ions from the sputtering target react first with water giving TiO2.…”

“…Despite all the advantages and the fact that several PCL-based medical devices have been already approved by FDA to be used in human 16 , the hydrophobicity of PCL and a lack of functional groups hinder the material interaction with surrounding cells and tissues 17 . Several approaches have been applied to improve electrospun PCL-based scaffolds properties including surface modification 18,19 and composite production [20][21][22][23] . Previously we have reported that polymer biodegradable scaffolds can be modified by reactive magnetron plasma that occurres under a working gas atmosphere during the sputtering of a solid target [24][25][26] .…”

“…It was shown that direct current (DC) plasma magnetron sputtering is an effective tool to increase polymer biocompatibility and set specific surface properties by means of different plasma parameters and treatment conditions. Recently, we demonstrated the possibility of PCL-based scaffolds modification by DC reactive magnetron sputtering of the titanium target in a nitrogen atmosphere 19 . This promising technique allows for the deposition of thin titanium-nitrogen coatings on the surface of thermoplastic polymers with low melting points such as PCL.…”

Reactive Magnetron Plasma Modification of Electrospun PLLA Scaffolds with Incorporated Chloramphenicol for Controlled Drug Release

“…Recently, we have shown that PLLA-based scaffolds can be modified by the plasma, which is formed in the process of DC reactive magnetron sputtering of the titanium target in a dry nitrogen atmosphere [ 33 ]. This technique is often called promising for the purposes of the deposition of thin titanium-nitrogen coatings on the surface of thermoplastic polymers with low melting points such as PLLA.…”

Electrospun Fibre Webs Templated Synthesis of Mineral Scaffolds Based on Calcium Phosphates and Barium Titanate

“…In order to surpass the infections complication in orthopaedic surgery, Liu et al [41] proposed a complex system based on polylactic acid fibres, hydroxyapatite nanowires, polydopamine adhesive, silver nanoparticles, and a polypyrrole mediator. Other approaches consist of coating the electrospun polymeric fibre webs with metallic [42] or ceramic [43] layers to increase the hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, or bioactivity, as well as employing the electrospun membrane as a template [44] to retain the primary microstructure.…”