Preparation, modification and cellular evaluation of PEG–PEGd supports with titania nanoparticle loads

Abstract

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) films with PEG diacrylate (PEGd) have been prepared comprising a Ti alkoxyde that turns the filminto a nano-hybrid with potential interest for the production of controlled bioadhesive surfaces. Precursor sols were cast ontoSi (100) surfaces, producing conformed films. Modification of such surfaces was performed by exposing the surfaces to UVlight (365 nm) at different exposure times. The surface of the hybrid films was characterized by using atomic force microscopyand X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is concluded that the UV exposure induces a densification of the film and an in-filmcoalescence of the titania nanoparticles. This had a direct effect on the wettability of the films as determined by water contactangle measurements. Both as-cast and UV modified surfaces were proved to be biocompatible as deduced from nuclearimmunocytochemistry proliferation assays.