Plasma surface modification of biomaterials: Developing plasma-treated implants and prosthetics with improved biocompatibility

Abstract

Plasma surface modification has emerged as a powerful technique to enhance the biocompatibility of biomaterials used in implants and prosthetics. By exposing surfaces to reactive plasma species, properties such as surface roughness, energy, wettability, and chemical functionality can be precisely tailored without altering the bulk material. These modifications significantly improve cell adhesion, proliferation, and integration with host tissue. This paper explores various plasma treatment methods, including cold plasma, dielectric barrier discharge, and plasma polymerization and their effects on polymers, metals, and ceramics. Emphasis is placed on recent advancements, characterization techniques, and clinical implications for developing next-generation biomedical implants with superior performance.