In this study, the surface of polyurethane (PU) grafted with electrospun poly (d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) fibers (PU/PLGA) was modified with microwave-induced argon plasma and the PU/PLGA films with plasma modified surface were examined to investigate their effects on the attachment and growth of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) for applications in vascular tissue engineering.
In comparison with the control, PU film with microwave plasma modified surface was more hydrophilic and the roughness of the surface was enhanced. Furthermore, the plasma treatment on PU/PLGA has significantly increased the attachment of HUVECs and proliferation of the cells was slightly enhanced as well.
These results suggested that the surface of PU/PLGA films modified with plasma treatment can be effectively used as a biocompatible material for vascular tissue engineering application, although more in-depth studies are needed.