Micro-patterned surfaces based on plasma modification of PEO-like coating for biological applications

In this study, a combination of plasma and photolithographic processes for production of micro-structured surfaces is described. In a first step, a layer which is non-adhesive towards cells and proteins is obtained by pulsed plasma polymerization of Diethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether. The second step combines pattern generation with the help of photolithography and fabrication of bio-adhesive areas by activation of the first layer by a second plasma treatment. The activation is obtained with a post-plasma discharge of an argon–hydrogen mixture, which permits to control the concentration of ether bonds of the coatings without introducing new reactive chemical moieties (e.g. hydroxyl or carboxyl) at the surface. Experiments with a model protein (Bovine Serum Albumin) and L929 mouse fibroblast cells on treated surfaces show that Ar/H2 plasma treatment is suitable for tuning their bio-adhesive properties. Moreover, micro-structured surfaces obtained by this combination of plasma processes allow the spatial control of protein adsorption and cell attachment.