Evaluation of Poly(Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid) (65/35) Treated by Dielectric Barrier Discharge in Atmospheric Pressure

Abstract

The surface properties of scaffolds are important since cell affinity is the most crucial factor to be concerned when the biodegradable polymeric material is utilized as a scaffold in tissue engineering. The surface of biodegradable non-porous poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds were treated by atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge (APDBD). The wetting angle of APDBD treated PLGA were decreased from the untreated PLGA of 73° to 42°. FTIR-ATR analyses showed hydroxyl groups were not detected regardless of treated condition, but the intensities of both ether groups and carbonyl groups were increased with treatment time and oxygen flow rate. Treatment time and oxygen flux are equally effective to make the PLGA surface more hydrophilic.