Formerly, continuous or semicontinuous Ag layers are transformed into discontinuous ones, consisting of discrete hummock-like structures. In this way, the surface of PTFE may be partly uncovered by annealing. UV–vis absorption increases with increasing deposition time as the Ag layer becomes thicker. The UV–vis spectra of the annealed samples exhibit distinctive narrow absorption peak at about 400 nm, corresponding to the SPR in the silver nanostructures. The detailed characterization of Ag/PTFE composites, prepared under different conditions, was
a prerequisite for the next experiments on their biocompatibility. The most important contribution of this work is the finding that Ralimetinib mw the silver nanostructures, which are generally known for their inhibitory properties towards broad spectrum of bacterial strains and cells, under such specific conditions conform to cell cultures cultivated on PTFE support coated with those nanostructures. Best biocompatibility, cell
adhesion, and proliferation selleck inhibitor were exhibited by the PTFE samples Ag sputtered for 20 s. Post-deposition annealing does not improve the sample biocompatibility. Increased biocompatibility of the samples coated with thin Ag layer is explained by favorable combination of the sample surface morphology and higher wettability. The biocompatibility of the samples sputtered for longer times and coated with thicker Ag layer is miserable. Last but not least, the results obtained by different diagnostic techniques on Ag/PTFE composites are of importance for better understanding of the growth mechanism of metal layer on polymer substrates and their behavior under annealing. Acknowledgement Financial support of this work from the GACR project nos. P108/11/P337 and P108/10/1106 is gratefully acknowledged. References 1. Alt V, Bechert T, Steinrucke P, Wagener M, Seidel P, Dingeldein E, Domann E, Schnettler R: An in vitro assessment of the antibacterial properties and cytotoxicity of nanoparticulate silver bone cement. Biomaterials 2004, 25:4383–4391.CrossRef 2. Croes S, Stobberingh CHIR99021 EE, Stevens KNJ, Knetsch MLW, Koole LH: Antimicrobial and anti-thrombogenic
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