Can radio frequency ammonia plasma functionalize the surface of PTFE with primary amine groups?
Our objective is to modify the surface of PTFE films to implant primary amine groups. Studies have shown that this can reduce the adverse immune response this polymer can invoke when used as a cardiovascular patch for patients with congenital heart defects.
Our approach is to utilize radio frequency ammonia plasma to treat commercially bought polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) films at various pressures, powers, and exposure times. Modified surfaces will be characterized using FTIR-atr and the Orange II colorimetric assay to determine the quantity of amine groups on the surface. Further, the surfaces will be characterized using contact angle goniometry to study wettability and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to determine the elemental surface composition. |