Surface functionalization of an osteoconductive filler by plasma polymerization of poly(ε-caprolactone) and poly(acrylic acid) films

Abstract One of the major limitations found in the use of nanocomposites based on synthetic hydroxyapatite and polymeric matrix for bone-tissue regeneration lies in the poor interfacial adhesion between the inorganic filler and the polymer matrix. The integrity of the nanocomposite is severely compromised since, on the one hand, high surface fillers tend to form aggregates and on the other, there is no chemical bonding between these two different categories of materials. Thus, customized surface functionalization stands as an effective route to improve the interfacial behaviour between particles and polymeric matrices. Amongst the current state of development of coating technologies, the high film-chemistry controllability offered by plasma polymerization technology enhances the synthesis of polymeric films from virtually any starting organic monomer. In this sense, the work presented here provides strong evidences of surface functionalization achieved by plasma polymerization starting respectively from e-caprolactone and acrylic acid monomers. The chemistry of the deposited films has been descriptively analysed by XPS demonstrating outstanding retention of monomer functionalities and FTIR spectra of the deposited films revealed a high resemblance to those obtained by conventional synthesis. Results provided thereof are expected to significantly contribute to improve the interfacial behaviour in terms of matrix-reinforcement compatibilization, of crucial importance for bone-tissue engineering applications.