Enhancement of Surface Properties of Biomaterials Using Plasma-Based Technology

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. For instance, mechanically sturdy materials with good wear and corrosion resistance can be modified to improve the surface bioactivity in biomedical applications. 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 biomaterials will be presented in this invited talk. We have plasma implanted biological friendly elements into diamond-like carbon (DLC) and in vitro analyses reveal enhanced surface biocompatibility. The effects on the biocompatibility of novel orthopedic biomaterials such as NiTi shape memory alloys will also be discussed. Last but not least, our work on the biocompatibility of single-crystal silicon will be presented. Enhancement of the surface biocompatibility of silicon is important to the development of silicon-based biosensors.