Surface modification of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene by plasma-induced in-situ grafting with vinyl triethoxysilane.

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is an excellent material with high performance, but it is very difficult to covalently introduce functional groups on its surface owing to its inherently inert structure, which constrains its further application. In this study, vinyl triethoxysilane (VTEOS) containing hydrolysable alkoxyl groups was in situ grafted on UHMWPE by air plasma treatment. The plasma treatment conditions for VTEOS grafting were optimized.

Regulating the osteogenic function of rhBMP 2 by different titanium surface properties.

Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) is important for regulating the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and the response of bone tissue. It adsorbs on the surface of biomedical implants immediately and plays a role of mediator between the materials surfaces and the host cells. Studies usually connect the material surface properties and the new bone formation directly.

Surface modification of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene by the poly(ethylene glycol)-grafted method and its effect on the adsorption of proteins and the adhesion of blood platelets.

With the help of a silane coupling agent, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), a well-biocompatable agent, was grafted onto the surface of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) by ultraviolet initiation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis proved the success of PEG grafting. Water contact angle measurement showed that the modified UHMWPE was obviously improved in surface hydrophilicity and thermogravimetric analysis result showed that its thermostability did not decline even it was pretreated by strong acids.