A Multiscale Approach to Assess the Complex Surface of Polyurethane Catheters and the Effects of a New Plasma Decontamination Treatment on the Surface Properties

Polyurethane catheters made of Pellethane 2363-80AE® were treated with a low temperature plasma developed for the decontamination of reusable polymer devices in hospitals. We investigated the modifications of the polymer surface by studying the topographic modifications, the chemical modifications,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Microscopy and microanalysis 2010-12, Vol.16 (6), p.764-778
Main Authors: Mrad, Omar, Saunier, Johanna, Aymes-Chodur, Caroline, Rosilio, Véronique, Bouttier, Sylvie, Agnely, Florence, Aubert, Pascal, Vigneron, Jacky, Etcheberry, Arnaud, Yagoubi, Najet
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Additives
Adsorption
Atmospheric pressure
Biocompatibility
Biocompatible Materials - chemistry
Catheters
Chemical Sciences
Contact angle
Decontamination
Decontamination - methods
Disinfectants - pharmacology
Low temperature
Lubricants & lubrication
Medical equipment
Microscopy
Molecular weight
Nitrogen
Nitrogen - chemistry
Oxygen - chemistry
Plasma etching
Plasma Gases - pharmacology
Polymers
Polyurethanes - chemistry
Silicon wafers
Surface Properties
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Summary:Polyurethane catheters made of Pellethane 2363-80AE® were treated with a low temperature plasma developed for the decontamination of reusable polymer devices in hospitals. We investigated the modifications of the polymer surface by studying the topographic modifications, the chemical modifications, and their consequences on the wettability and bacterial adhesion. This study showed that plasma treatment modified the topography and grafted oxygen and nitrogen species onto the surface, resulting in an increase in the surface polarity. This effect could be correlated to the number of nitrogen atoms interacting with the surface. Moreover, this study demonstrated the significance of multiscale heterogeneities, and the complexity of industrial medical devices made from polymers. Their surface can be heterogeneous, and they contain additives that can migrate and change the surface composition.
ISSN:1431-9276
1435-8115
DOI:10.1017/S1431927610093876