Methanol plasma treatment of fluorocarbon ultra-thin films for stents applications

The surgical implantation of metallic stents in a narrowed vessel after balloon angioplasty is a common procedure to prevent restenosis phenomena, but the related complications, such as thrombosis, inflammation and devices corrosion, are still a serious concern. In order to limit those complications, the coating of metallic stents, by Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD), with Fluorocarbon (CFx) ultrathin films has been demonstrated to be an interesting strategy, thanks to the CFx biocompatibility, chemical inertness, impermeability, corrosion resistance, appropriate mechanical properties and high adhesion to the substrates[1],[2]. Nevertheless, the modification of some key surface properties of CFx coatings could further improve their blood compatibility. For example, it has been shown that the presence of carboxyl groups and a moderate surface wettability could promote the appropriate proteins adhesion, improving the hemocompatibility and promoting the surface endothelialisation[3],[4]. The objective of this work was to develop an oxidation process of CFx coatings, based on a methanol plasma treatment. The modification of the surface oxygen content and wettability was aimed to modulatie protein adsorption and blood compatibility of CFx films, without affecting their excellent mechanical and corrosion resistance properties.