Cold Plasma Reticulation of Shape Memory Embolic Tissue Scaffolds

Landon D. Nash, Nicole C. Docherty, Mary Beth B. Monroe, Kendal P. Ezell, James K. Carrow, Sayyeda M. Hasan, Akhilesh K. Gaharwar, Duncan J. Maitland

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Polyurethane shape memory polymer (SMP) foams are proposed for use as thrombogenic scaffolds to improve the treatment of vascular defects, such as cerebral aneurysms. However, gas blown SMP foams inherently have membranes between pores, which can limit their performance as embolic tissue scaffolds. Reticulation, or the removal of membranes between adjacent foam pores, is advantageous for improving device performance by increasing blood permeability and cellular infiltration. This work characterizes the effects of cold gas plasma reticulation processes on bulk polyurethane SMP films and foams. Plasma-induced changes on material properties are characterized using scanning electron microscopy, uniaxial tensile testing, goniometry, and free strain recovery experiments. Device specific performance is characterized in terms of permeability, platelet attachment, and cell–material interactions. Overall, plasma reticulated SMP scaffolds show promise as embolic tissue scaffolds due to increased bulk permeability, retained thrombogenicity, and favorable cell–material interactions. (Figure presented.).

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1945-1951
Number of pages7
JournalMacromolecular Rapid Communications
Volume37
Issue number23
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • foam reticulation
  • plasma surface modification
  • shape memory polymers

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Materials Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Organic Chemistry

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