Method for creating a cell growth surface on a polymeric substrate

• US 6,617,152 B2
• Filed: 09/04/2001
• Issued: 09/09/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 09/04/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Corning Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Corning Incorporated
• Inventors: Wang, Hongming, Gagnon, Paul E., Shen, Zhong-he, Bryhan, Marie D., LaChance, Oliva V.
• Primary Examiner(s): Beisner, William H.
• Application Number:
  US09/947,035
• Publication Number:
  US 20030049834A1
• Time in Patent Office: 735 Days
• Field of Search: 435/283.1, 435/289.1, 435/288.1, 435/288.3, 435/304.1, 435/305.1, 435/402, 118/723.ME, 118/723.MR, 118/DIG.3, 427/575
• US Class Current: 435/283.1
• CPC Class Codes: B05D 3/144 of polymeric substrates
• CPC Class Codes: B05D 7/22 to internal surfaces, e.g. of tubes
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 59/14 by plasma treatment plasma tubes per se H01J
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 59/142 of profiled articles, e.g. hollow or tubular articles

Abstract

A method, apparatus and product for producing an advantaged cell growth surface. According to the present invention, a stream of plasma is comprised of activated gaseous species generated by a microwave source. This stream is directed at the surface of a polymer substrate in a controlled fashion such that the surface is imparted with attributes for cell adhesion far superior to that of untreated polymer or polymer treated by other known methods.

Claims

1. An apparatus for treating a polymeric substrate surface comprising:

a) a gas inlet, a microwave energy source and a plasma mixing chamber, the plasma mixing chamber in fluid communication with both the gas inlet and the microwave energy source;

b) a dual chambered treatment area having an inner treatment chamber contained within an outer treatment chamber, said inner treatment chamber having an opening in fluid communication with said outer chamber;

c) said plasma mixing chamber in fluid communication with said outer treatment chamber by means of an aperture;

d) a vacuum outlet line attached to said outer chamber; and

e) whereby said opening in said inner treatment chamber is aligned with said aperture, said opening being spaced from said aperture a predetermined distance.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said predetermined distance is between 1 and 6 inches.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said outer treatment chamber has an atmospheric vent attached thereto.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a polymer part within said inner chamber.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said inner chamber is a polymer part to be treated.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said inner treatment chamber has sidewalls, a base and a tapered neck portion defining said opening.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a pneumatic elevating system for removal of a base portion of said outer treatment chamber.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a conduit attaching said plasma mixing chamber and said outer treatment chamber through said aperture.

9. A method for treating the surfaces of a polymer substrate comprising the steps of:

a) providing the apparatus of claim 1 and placing the polymeric substrate in said treatment area;

b) producing a low temperature plasma in said plasma mixing chamber; and

c) introducing said plasma to said dual treatment chamber.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of evacuating said plasma from said apparatus.

11. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of placing a polymer part into said inner treatment chamber prior to said producing step.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein said inner chamber is a polymer part to be treated.

13. The method of claim 9 wherein said polymer is polystyrene.