Radiofrequency plasma deposition of oxygen-containing films on polystyrene and poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrates improves endothelial cell growth.

Polystyrene and poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrates were modified by radiofrequency plasma deposition with organic vapors comprised of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen (acetone, methanol, glutaraldehyde, formic acid, allyl alcohol, and ethylene oxide). The treatments resulted in the deposition of a film at least 100 A thick containing up to 26% atomic oxygen at the surface. A high oxygen incorporation was observed for vapors with a large oxygen-to-carbon ratio. Bovine aortic endothelial cell growth measured on acetone, methanol, and glutaraldehyde films was linearly correlated with the oxygen content of the treated surfaces. Nitrogen was incorporated in the surface by blending nitrogen gas into the organic vapor used for plasma deposition. The resulting nitrogen-containing substrates exhibited a high affinity for serum fibronectin but a moderate cell growth.