This dissertation focuses on the interaction of cells with optimized plasma-modified surfaces.
The first part of the work investigates the individual phases of cell adhesion, characterized using advanced techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) and digital holographic microscopy. AFM enabled the distinction of short-term adhesion of cells and extracellular matrix proteins based on electrostatic interactions with the surface. Digital holographic microscopy enabled the observation of cell attachment dynamics over time, with the fastest attachment observed on hydrophilic COOH surfaces, while hydrophobic HMDSO surfaces showed significantly delayed attachment. The work also discusses differences in long-term adhesion between endothelial, non-endothelial, and immune cells.
The second part of the work focuses on optimizing the chemical composition of selected plasma polymers, particularly regarding the transfer of deposition conditions between plasma reactors differing in size and electrode geometry (symmetric vs. asymmetric configurations). Given the complex morphology of materials used in bioapplications, the work also addresses the deposition of plasma polymers into model 3D structures (e.g., slits and trenches of various dimensions), which were used to study the fundamental principles of deposition into complex geometries.
This dissertation thesis is a compilation of peer-reviewed publications the author contributed to during her study. Selected results from these publications, supplemented by new experimental findings, are summarized and discussed in a broader context with respect to the current state of knowledge in the field.