Plasma polymer films to regulate fibrinogen adsorption: Effect of pressure and competition with human serum albumin

Low‐pressure plasma‐deposited C2H4 and C4H6 films containing N‐ and O‐groups, are used to regulate fibrinogen (Fg) adsorption in the presence of human serum albumin (HSA), with the long‐term intention of achieving control over platelet activation. This work includes a study of the effect of pressure on the films’ surface chemistry, stability in phosphate buffer solution (PBS), and Fg adsorption. Tribometry tests against a polyethylene surface, in PBS, indicated that N‐rich films were more susceptible to wear than the O‐rich coating. Adsorption kinetics showed a distinct peak which suggested a multilayer formation of HSA owing to adsorption from a highly concentrated solution. Results conclude that Fg adsorption in the presence of a high concentration of HSA can still be regulated by the careful choice of film surface chemistry. Properties of C2H4 and C4H6 based plasma polymer films with N and O groups, geared toward the long‐term goal of designing plasma polymer coated aneurysm coils, are studied. Films with different chemistries enabled the regulation of fibrinogen adsorption with and without the presence of albumin. Adsorption kinetics suggested the initial formation of an albumin multilayer. O‐based film is more resistant to wear against a polyethylene surface than the N‐based films.