Biocompatibility enhancement of chemically etched CR-39 SSNTDs through superficial pore formation by alpha-particle irradiation

Alpha-particle radiobiological experiments involve irradiating cells with alpha particles and require thin biocompatible materials as substrates for cell cultures, which can record alpha-particle transversals. CR-39 SSNTDs with a thickness of about 20 μ m are suitable substrates. In the present work, the biocompatibility enhancement of these thin CR-39 SSNTDs is studied through superficial pore formation by alpha-particle irradiation. HeLa cells were cultured on these detectors and the biocompatibility was assessed through the number, morphology and average cell area of the cultured cells. For short etching time (15 min) in NaOH / H₂ O (with subsequent etching in NaOH/ethanol), the biocompatibility of the CR-39 detector is enhanced through superficial pore formation by alpha-particle irradiation. In contrast, for long etching time (60 min) in NaOH / H₂ O(with subsequent etching in NaOH/ethanol), the biocompatibility of the CR-39 detector deteriorates through superficial pore formation. Possible reasons are discussed. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.