The use of air plasma in surface modification of peripheral nerve conduits

Surface modification is a conventional approach in biomaterials development, but most of the modification processes are intricate and time inefficient. In this study, a convenient open air plasma treatment was employed to modify the surface of poly(d,l-lactide) (PLA). Chitosan and fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) were sequentially grafted with the assistance of open air plasma treatment onto the PLA nerve conduits with designed micropores and surface microgrooves. Grafting of these components was verified by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis. The modified nerve conduits showed enhanced ability in the repair of 10-mm sciatic nerve transection defects in rats. The sequential air plasma treatment can be a convenient way to introduce biocompatible (e.g., chitosan) and bioactive components (e.g., growth factors) onto the surface of biomaterials.