Modification of Biomaterials and Biomedical Devices by Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation & Deposition and Related Techniques

The interactions between biomaterials and living tissues are crucial to clinical success and on account of increasing clinical demands, biomaterials and biomedical implants are constantly refined both in sophistication and diversity. Since most biomaterials with favorable bulk properties such as durability, strength, hardness, and chemical inertness may not perform the pre-designed biological functions, surface modification is frequently conducted. Plasma-based technology offers the unique capability that certain surface properties can be selectively modified to cater to the biological requirements while desirable bulk properties of the materials such as those mentioned above can be retained. In particular, plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition (PIII&D) is widely used in the surface treatment of functional materials and industrial implants including biomaterials and biomedical implants because being a non-line-of-sight technique, it is especially suitable for biomedical devices with a complex geometry such as orthopedic implants, bone fixation devices, scoliosis correction rods, cardiovascular stents, and artificial heart valves. In this invited talk, recent research performed in the Plasma Laboratory of City University of Hong Kong pertaining to plasma surface treatment of biomaterials and biomedical devices is reviewed.