Bioactivity of Plasma Surface Modified Biomaterial

Plasma surface modification is an effective and economical surface treatment technique for many biomaterials. The technique offers the unique advantage that the surface properties and biocompatibility can be enhanced selectively while the favorable bulk characteristics of the materials remain unchanged. Existing materials ,can thus be used and needs for new classes, of materials may be obviated thereby shortening the time to develop novel and better biomedical implants. Recent work conducted in our laboratory pertaining to the improvement of surface bioactivity and properties of different types of biomaterials will be presented in this invited talk. We have used plasma technology to treat polymers to improve the surface antibacterial properties of the materials and improve the biocompatibility of novel orthopedic biomaterials such as NiTi shape memory alloys. Our work on the enhancement of surface bioactivity of nano-structured ceramics coatings using plasma surface treatment and UV irradiation will be presented.