Surface Modification and Characterization of Collagenbased Artificial Cornea for Enhanced Epithelialization

Argon plasma treatment of collagen-based artificial corneas led to an increase in the in vitro biocompatibility. Artificial corneas were prepared by stabilization of collagen matrices through glutaraldehyde and glutaraldehyde-polyethylene oxide (PEO) cross-linking. Characterization of polymer surface properties such as surface hydrophilicity and surface roughness were also investigated by contact angle measurement and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. The epithelialization of untreated and treated samples was evaluated by the seeding and growth of human corneal epithelial cells. Enhanced attachment and proliferation of epithelial cells to artificial cornea surfaces were observed after argon plasma treatment. Surface hydrophilicity was also increased considerably by argon plasma treatment. AFM characterization also showed an increase in surface roughness through argon plasma treatment. Based on the biological and surface analysis, argon plasma treatment displays promising potential for biocompatibility enhancement of collagen-based artificial corneas.