Laser surface modification of polymers to improve biocompatibility: HEMA grafted PDMS, in vitro assay—III

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface modifications were carried out using CO2-pulsed laser, without photosensitizer at ambient condition, to introduce peroxide groups onto the PDMS surface. Such peroxides were capable of initiating graft polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) onto the PDMS. The modified surfaces were characterized using a variety of techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflectance infrared (ATR-FTIR) and the water drop contact angle measurements. Data from in vitro assays indicated a significant reduction of the platelet adhesion and aggregation for the modified surfaces.