Plasma-Modified PTFE for Biological Applications: Correlation between Protein-Resistant Properties and Surface Characteristics

PTFE samples were treated by low‐pressure O2 RF plasmas. The adsorption of BSA was used as a probe for the protein‐resistant properties. Exposure of PTFE to an O2 plasma leads to an increase in chamber pressure. OES reveals the presence of CO, CO2 and F in the gas phase, indicating a strong etching of the PTFE surface by the plasma. Furthermore, the high‐resolution C1s spectra show CF3, CF and CCF components. WCA as high as 160° were observed, indicating a super‐hydrophobic behavior. AFM images of surfaces treated at high plasma power showed an increase in roughness. Lower amounts of BSA adsorption were detected on high power, O2 plasma‐modified PTFE samples compared to low power, oxygen plasma‐modified ones.