Preparation, Modification and Cellular Evaluation of PEG-PEGd Supports With Titania Nanoparticle Loads

Polyethylene-glycol (PEG) films with PEG-diacrylate (PEGd) have been prepared including a Ti alkoxyde that turns the film into a nano-hybrid with potential interest for the production of controlled bioadhesive surfaces. Precursor sols were cast onto Si (100) surfaces producing conformed films. Modification of such surfaces was performed by exposing surfaces to UV light (365 nm) at different exposure times. The surface of the hybrid films was characterized by using atomic force microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is concluded that the UV exposure induces a densification of the film and an in-film coalescence of the titania nanoparticles. This had a direct effect in the wettability of the films as determined by water contact angle measurements. Both, as cast and UV modified surfaces were proved to be biocompatible as deduced from nuclear immunocytochemistry proliferation assays.JRC.I.4-Nanobioscience