Showing papers on "Surface modification published in 2001"

Surface modification of neural recording electrodes with conducting polymer/biomolecule blends

Abstract: The interface between micromachined neural microelectrodes and neural tissue plays an important role in chronic in vivo recording Electrochemical polymerization was used to optimize the surface of the metal electrode sites Electrically conductive polymers (polypyrrole) combined with biomolecules having cell adhesion functionality were deposited with great precision onto microelectrode sites of neural probes The biomolecules used were a silk-like polymer having fibronectin fragments (SLPF) and nonapeptide CDPGYIGSR The existence of protein polymers and peptides in the coatings was confirmed by reflective microfocusing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) The morphology of the coating was rough and fuzzy, providing a high density of bioactive sites for interaction with neural cells This high interfacial area also helped to lower the impedance of the electrode site and, consequently, to improve the signal transport Impedance spectroscopy showed a lowered magnitude and phase of impedance around the biologically relevant frequency of 1 kHz Cyclic voltammetry demonstrated the intrinsic redox reaction of the doped polypyrrole and the increased charge capacity of the coated electrodes Rat glial cells and human neuroblastoma cells were seeded and cultured on neural probes with coated and uncoated electrodes Glial cells appeared to attach better to polypyrrole/SLPF-coated electrodes than to uncoated gold electrodes Neuroblastoma cells grew preferentially on and around the polypyrrole/CDPGYIGSR-coated electrode sites while the polypyrrole/CH(3)COO(-)-coated sites on the same probe did not show a preferential attraction to the cells These results indicate that we can adjust the chemical composition, morphology, electronic transport, and bioactivity of polymer coatings on electrode surfaces on a multichannel micromachined neural probe by controlling electrochemical deposition conditions

Modification of polysiloxane polymers for biomedical applications: a review

Abstract: This paper reviews methods of modifying polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymers to improve their properties for biomedical applications. The modification methods are discussed under three different categories: bulk, surface and other modification techniques. Surface modification techniques include physical and chemical techniques to modify polymer surfaces. Bulk modification techniques include blending, copolymerization, interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) and functionalization. The third category includes less common modification techniques. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry

Biochemically functionalized silica nanoparticles

Abstract: In this report, we demonstrate the biochemical modification of silica based nanoparticles. Both pure and dye-doped silica nanoparticles were prepared, and their surfaces were modified with enzymes and biocompatible chemical reagents that allow them to function as biosensors and biomarkers. The nanoparticles produced in this work are uniform in size with a 1.6% relative standard deviation. They have a pure silica surface and can thus be modified easily with many biomolecules for added biochemical functionality. Specifically, we have modified the nanoparticle surfaces with enzyme molecules (glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)) and a biocompatible reagent for cell membrane staining. Experimental results show that the silica nanoparticles are a good biocompatible solid support for enzyme immobilization. The immobilized enzyme molecules on the nanoparticle surface have shown excellent enzymatic activity in their respective enzymatic reactions. The nanoparticle surface biochemical functionalization demonstrates the feasibility of using nanoparticles for biosensing and biomarking applications.

SOMC@PMS. Surface Organometallic Chemistry at Periodic Mesoporous Silica†

Abstract: Periodic mesoporous silicas (PMSs) give enormous stimulus to the field of nanostructured organic−inorganic composite materials, opening new horizons for selective organic transformations and material science. This article outlines advanced synthetic concepts of their intraporous surface organometallic chemistry involving alkyl, (silyl)amide, and alkoxide reagents. Conclusive methods of characterization, elaborating the importance of spectroscopic probe ligands and nitrogen physisorption, reinforce the excellent capacity of PMS materials as a model support of, for example, amorphous silica. Particular emphasis is placed on tailor-made hybrid materials, highlighting unexpected reaction behavior due to surface and pore confinement. Accordingly, surface silylation as an efficient method for designing the microenvironment is surveyed in detail.

Surface modification of polymer surfaces: atmospheric plasma versus vacuum plasma treatments

Abstract: An atmospheric pressure non-equilibrium plasma (APNEP) has been developed in the UK by EA Technology Ltd and is currently being investigated in collaboration with the University of Surrey. The main focus is the use of atmospheric pressure plasmas to modify the surfaces of commercially important polymers including polyolefins, poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(methyl methacrylate). These surface modifications include surface cleaning and degreasing, oxidation, reduction, grafting, cross-linking (carbonization), etching and deposition. When trying to achieve targeted surface engineering, it is vital to gain an understanding of the mechanisms that cause these effects, for example, surface functionalization, adhesion promotion or multi-layer deposition. Hence comparisons between vacuum plasma treated surfaces have also been sought with a view to using the extensive vacuum plasma literature to gain further insight. In this paper, we will introduce the APNEP and compare the key characteristics of the plasma with those of traditional vacuum plasma systems before highlighting some of the surface modifications that can be achieved by using atmospheric plasma. Data from the analysis of treated polymers (by spectroscopy, microscopy and surface energy studies) and from direct measurements of the plasma and afterglow will be presented. Finally, our current understanding of the processes involved will be given, particularly those that are important in downstream surface treatments which take place remote from the plasma source.

Adhesion enhancement of polymer surfaces by atmospheric plasma treatment

Abstract: An atmospheric pressure non-equilibrium plasma (APNEP) developed in the UK by EA Technology Ltd is currently being investigated in collaboration with the University of Surrey. Of the many applications of surface modification that can be induced using plasmas, adhesion enhancement is one of the most commercially important. In this paper, we illustrate the use of an atmospheric plasma to enhance the adhesion characteristics of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). The polymers were treated in the remote afterglow region of an atmospheric pressure plasma to avoid the thermal effects that can cause degradation for thermally sensitive materials when placed in direct contact with the plasma. Reactive (oxygen containing) and inert (oxygen free) atmospheric plasmas rapidly impart adhesion enhancement by a factor of two to ten as measured by 180° peel tests. However, extended exposure to the atmospheric plasma does not impart additional adhesion enhancement as the surface is ablated revealing the underlying polymer with poor adhesive characteristics. In contrast, vacuum plasma treated LDPE and PET show increased adhesion with extended plasma treatment. An adhesion enhancement in excess of two to three orders of magnitude was found to be achievable for vacuum plasma treatment times greater than 10 min.

Self-assembly of poly(ethylene glycol)-based block copolymers for biomedical applications

Abstract: Nanostructure fabrication from block copolymers is discussed in this review paper. Particularly, novel approaches for the construction of functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) layers on surfaces were focused to attain the specific adsorption of a target protein through PEG-conjugated ligands with a minimal non-specific adsorption of other proteins. Furthermore, surface organization of block copolymer micelles with cross-linking cores was described from the standpoint of preparation of a new functional surface-coating with a unique macromolecular architecture. The micelle-attached surface and the thin hydrogel layer made by layered micelles exhibited non-fouling properties and worked as a reservoir for hydrophobic reagents. These PEG-functionalized surface in brush form or in micelle form can be used in diverse fields of medicine and biology to construct high-performance medical devices including scaffolds for tissue engineering and matrices for drug delivery systems.

Immobilized RGD peptides on surface-grafted dextran promote biospecific cell attachment.

Abstract: Dextran has recently been investigated as an alternative to poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) for low protein-binding, cell-resistant coatings on biomaterial surfaces. Although antifouling properties of surface-grafted dextran and PEG are quite similar, surface-bound dextran has multiple reactive sites for high-density surface immobilization of biologically active molecules. We recently reported nontoxic aqueous methods to covalently immobilize dextran on material surfaces. These dextran coatings effectively limited cell adhesion and spreading in the presence of serum-borne cell adhesion proteins. In this study we utilized the same nontoxic aqueous methods to graft cell adhesion peptides on low protein-binding dextran monolayer surfaces. Chemical composition of all modified surfaces was verified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Surface-grafted cell adhesion peptides stimulated endothelial cell, fibroblast, and smooth muscle cell attachment and spreading in vitro. In contrast, surface-grafted inactive peptide sequences did not promote high levels of cell interaction. Surface-grafted high affinity cyclic RGD peptides promoted cell type-dependent interactions. With dextran-based surface coatings, it will be possible to develop well-defined surface modifications that promote specific cell interactions and perhaps better performance in long-term biomaterial implants.

Surface modification of inorganic oxide particles with silane coupling agent and organic dyes

Abstract: The silane coupling agent 3-glycidoxypropyl trimethoxylsilane (GPS) was grafted onto the surface of silica gel, P2 glass beads and TiO2 oxide particles. FT-IR, thermogravimetric and elemental analysis were used to characterize the modified particles. The effects of various factors on the GPS grafting efficiency such as catalyst, GPS concentration, reaction temperature and time were studied. After modification with GPS, the xanthene dye rhodamine B and azo dyes 4-phenylazophenol and 4-phenylazoaniline, respectively, were grafted on to the particles, which were then used as pigment fillers. The colors of the pigments were adjusted by changing the kind of dyes, the concentration, the pH and the reaction solvents. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Studies on Capacity Loss and Capacity Fading of Nanosized SnSb Alloy Anode for Li-Ion Batteries

Abstract: Nanosized SnSb alloy exhibits much higher reversible capacity as an anode active material for Li-ion batteries. However, rather large capacity loss at the first charge and discharge cycle as well as capacity fading during cycling for pure nanosized alloy has been observed. These phenomena originate from the following factors: the decomposition reaction of surface oxide and the formation of solid electrolyte interphase on the surface of alloy, the irreversible trapping of Li ions by host atoms, serious aggregation of alloy particles during electrochemical cycling, and the existence of an impure phase. Several strategies have been proposed to overcome these drawbacks, including surface modification, addition of dispersant, and coating on stable frame cores, such as mesophase carbon microbeads, to form composite materials. (C) 2001 The Electrochemical Society.

Organically modified aerogels, processes for their preparation by surface modification of the aqueous gel, without prior solvent exchange, and subsequent drying, and their use

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel, organically modified aerogels, uses thereof, and a process for producing them in which a) a hydrogel is introduced as an initial charge, b) the hydrogel obtained in step a) is subjected to surface modification, and c) the surface-modified gel obtained in step b) is dried. The present invention additionally relates to novel, organically modified wet gels, to a process for producing them, and to their use.

Energy curable inks and other compositions incorporating surface modified, nanometer-sized particles

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions that incorporate surface modified, nanometer sized, inorganic oxide particles into energy curable fluids. The surface modification aspect allows the compatibility between the particles and fluid to be controllably adjusted to achieve a wide range of rheological characteristics. For printing, preferred compositions have favorable dot gain and thickness build up. When the composition is cured, the presence of the particles also helps improve physical properties such as hardness, modulus, abrasion resistance, refractive index, and the like. The compositions are particularly well-suited for forming printed, radiation cured features on substrates such as paper, signs, walkways, roadways, motor vehicles, boats, aircraft, furniture, equipment, and the like.

Formation, spectroscopic characterization, and application of sulfhydryl-terminated alkanethiol monolayers for the chemical attachment of DNA onto gold surfaces

Abstract: A novel surface modification procedure for the creation of sulfhydryl-terminated alkanethiol monolayers that can be used for the attachment of biomolecules onto gold surfaces is described. A self-assembled monolayer of the amine-terminated alkanethiol 11-mercaptoundecylamine (MUAM) is reacted with the heterobifunctional cross-linker N-succinimidyl S-acetylthiopropionate (SATP) in order to create a protected sulfhydryl-terminated monolayer. This monolayer can then be deprotected in an alkaline solution to create an active sulfhydryl surface. Compounds that have been modified to contain a maleimide moiety can be easily attached onto the sulfhydryl-derivatized gold surface. In a second attachment strategy, the sulfhydryl-terminated monolayer is reacted with 2,2‘-dipyridyl disulfide to form disulfide bonds on the surface. These disulfide bonds are then used in a thiol−disulfide exchange reaction with free sulfhydryls in order to attach biomolecules, such as thiol-modified DNA or cysteine-containing polypeptid...

Surface modification of PMMA by DC glow discharge and microwave plasma treatment for the improvement of coating adhesion

Abstract: PMMA shows poor adhesion for evaporated inorganic coatings. The DC and microwave plasma treatments can considerably increase free surface energy but an improvement of coating adhesion is, according to our results, only possible by the DC process. ATR spectroscopy has been applied to investigate the changed chemical structure of DC plasma-treated PMMA. Samples treated by microwave plasma did not show ATR alteration while XPS analysis indicated surface oxygen enrichment.