Plasma copolymerization of allyl alcohol 1,7-octadiene: Surface characterization and attachment of human keratinocytes

Plasma copolymers (PCPs) of allyl alcohol/1,7-octadiene were prepared and characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), and contact angle measurements. The use of a hydrocarbon diluent in the monomer feed allowed the deposition of films with controlled concentrations of hydroxyl groups. ToF-SIMS data have shown these PCPs to be rich in unsaturation. Dimeric allyl alcohol species were observed in the ToF-SIMS spectra, which reduced in intensity with the proportion of hydrocarbon diluent in the monomer feed. Contact angle measurements have shown the nondispersive component of surface energy to increase with hydroxyl group concentration, while the dispersive component remained approximately constant. Human keratinocytes were cultured on these PCP surfaces and collagen I. The level of keratinocyte attachment over 24 h was measured. Keratinocyte attachment increased with hydroxyl group concentration (the nondispersive component of surface energy). PCP surfaces containing high concentrations of hydroxyl groups (25%) were found to promote levels of keratinocyte attachment similar to that on collagen I, a well-established substratum for keratinocyte attachment.