Biocompatibility of polysulfone I. surface modifications andcharacterizations

Surface treatments by nonionic surfactant (Brij®) coating and air-plasma glow discharge treatment onto polysulfone have been investigated to improve its surface properties. Surface treated samples were characterized by measurement of contact angle by a goniometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in the attenuated total reflectance mode (FTIR-ATR), and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). The contact angles of the nonionic surfactant coated films decreased from 66.6 ± 2.1 ° to nearly 0° due to hydrophilic polyethylene oxide (PEO) chain segment of the nonionic surfactant, and those of air-plasma treated films also decreased from 66.6° to about 22° with a treatment time of less than 5 s. ESCA analysis of air-plasma treated films indicates the incorporation of oxygen molecules onto polysulfone surface lowers the water contact angle. These modified techniques can be used to prevent platelet adhesion onto polysulfone surfaces.