Surface treatment of polymers (cellulose) for various applications

In this research the authors at first activate polymer surfaces and then various chemical compounds. Surface activation is performed by (i) plasma, (ii) UV-radiation, (iii) laser or (iv) so-called Piranha solutions of various compositions. The pre-activated surfaces are subsequently grafted with (i) borane compounds for luminescence properties or for antimicrobial activity, or (ii) amino acids or other chemical compound for improved cell adhesion and proliferation. After all the steps of surface activation and modification, the surface properties are drastically changed. These were studied by various methods, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electrokinetic analysis, goniometry, atomic force microscopy, BET analysis, UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, etc. Microbial assays were then performed on selected samples for (i) antimicrobial properties and / or (ii) in vitro cell adhesion and proliferation studies. (authors)