Fibrous parylene-C thin-film substrates for implant integration and protein assays

Polymeric biomaterials are used in medical devices that can be surgically implanted in human beings. Long-term bio-compatibility and strong tissue integration are essential to the longevity of implanted prosthesis. Surface roughness and wettability are essential for effective cellular attachment and integration. Therefore, materials should be tailored so that their surface conditions are optimal for excellent integration with selected proteins and cells.;This dissertation investigates the development of parylene-C thin films with good control over surface roughness and surface wettability. Based on these qualities, different degrees of cell and protein adhesion have been achieved, depending on surface properties and the cell/protein type. In addition, a morphology-composition gradient panel has been developed with a wide range of surface roughness and wettability, which can be used to optimize tissue growth with high-throughput screening assays and with gradient surfaces. The effects of the surface roughness and wettability of parylene-C thin films on the adhesion of human fibroblast cells and biotinylated serum proteins have been investigated. In addition, a simple method of fabricating nano-/micro-textured, free-standing, parylene-C thin-film substrate has been developed, which has been demonstrated to support cellular attachment and growth.