ABSTRACT
The radiofrequency glow discharge (RFGD) technique employs a flowing gas system in which an ionized gas plasma is generated to provide thin film coatings on targeted substrates via polymerization of an appropriate monomer. The method has attrac tive features for surface modification which have prompted several applications for medical polymers. Three general categories of surface treatment have emerged: (1) removal of unsatisfied surface binding capacity by exposure to an RFGD-excited gas; (2) deposition of an ultrathin inert polymer film from an RFGD-created excited monomer population; and (3) deposition of a functionalized intermediate which permits immobilization of biological molecules. In each case the surface properties can be favorably altered without changing bulk properties, thus providing physical durability and chemical stability. Excellent general reviews of the use of plasma gas discharges in biomaterials applications are available [1-4].
