Here, we present surface analysis and biocompatibility evaluation of novel composite material based on graphene oxide traded as Hastalex. First, the surface morphology and elemental analysis of the pristine material were examined by atomic force and scanning electron microscopies, and by energy-dispersive and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies, respectively. The Hastalex surface was then modified by plasma (3 and 8 W with exposure times up to 240 s), the impact of which on the material surface wettability and morphology was further evaluated. In addition, the material aging was studied at room and elevated temperatures. Significant changes in surface roughness, morphology, and area were detected at the nanometer scale after plasma exposure. An increase in oxygen content due to the plasma exposure was observed both for 3 and 8 W. The plasma treatment had an outstanding effect on the cytocompatibility of Hastalex foil treated at both input powers of 3 and 8 W. The cell number of human MRC-5 fibroblasts on Hastalex foils exposed to plasma increased significantly compared to pristine Hastalex and even to tissue culture polystyrene. The plasma exposure also affected the fibroblasts' cell growth and shape.

• Klíčová slova
• Carbon composite, Cytocompatibility, Morphology, Nanostructure, Pattern, Polymer stability, Surface chemistry, Surface modification,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

We focused on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as a substrate for replication, micropatterning, and construction of biologically active surfaces. The novelty of this study is based on the combination of the argon plasma exposure of a micropatterned PDMS scaffold, where the plasma served as a strong tool for subsequent grafting of collagen coatings and their application as cell growth scaffolds, where the standard was significantly exceeded. As part of the scaffold design, templates with a patterned microstructure of different dimensions (50 × 50, 50 × 20, and 30 × 30 μm2) were created by photolithography followed by pattern replication on a PDMS polymer substrate. Subsequently, the prepared microstructured PDMS replicas were coated with a type I collagen layer. The sample preparation was followed by the characterization of material surface properties using various analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). To evaluate the biocompatibility of the produced samples, we conducted studies on the interactions between selected polymer replicas and micro- and nanostructures and mammalian cells. Specifically, we utilized mouse myoblasts (C2C12), and our results demonstrate that we achieved excellent cell alignment in conjunction with the development of a cytocompatible surface. Consequently, the outcomes of this research contribute to an enhanced comprehension of surface properties and interactions between structured polymers and mammalian cells. The use of periodic microstructures has the potential to advance the creation of novel materials and scaffolds in tissue engineering. These materials exhibit exceptional biocompatibility and possess the capacity to promote cell adhesion and growth.

• Klíčová slova
• PDMS, coating, collagen type I, cytocompatibility, microstructure, myoblast cell, nanostructured pattern, replication, soft lithography,
• MeSH
• buněčná adheze MeSH
• dimethylpolysiloxany chemie   MeSH
• kolagen * chemie   MeSH
• myoblasty MeSH
• myši MeSH
• povrchové vlastnosti MeSH
• savci MeSH
• tkáňové inženýrství * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• dimethylpolysiloxany MeSH
• kolagen * MeSH

Many bio-applicable materials, medical devices, and prosthetics combine both polymer and metal components to benefit from their complementary properties. This goal is normally achieved by their mechanical bonding or casting only. Here, we report an alternative easy method for the chemical grafting of a polymer on the surfaces of a metal or metal alloys using alkoxy amine salt as a coupling agent. The surface morphology of the created composites was studied by various microscopy methods, and their surface area and porosity were determined by adsorption/desorption nitrogen isotherms. The surface chemical composition was also examined by various spectroscopy techniques and electrokinetic analysis. The distribution of elements on the surface was determined, and the successful bonding of the metal/alloys on one side with the polymer on the other by alkoxy amine was confirmed. The composites show significantly increased hydrophilicity, reliable chemical stability of the bonding, even interaction with solvent for thirty cycles, and up to 95% less bacterial adhesion for the modified samples in comparison with pristine samples, i.e., characteristics that are promising for their application in the biomedical field, such as for implants, prosthetics, etc. All this uses universal, two-step procedures with minimal use of energy and the possibility of production on a mass scale.

• Klíčová slova
• PEG coating, alkoxy amine, bacterial adhesion, diazotization, grafting, medical devices, polymer layer, stainless steel, titanium,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH