Surface modification of a PVDF membrane by cross-linked collagen

Abstract

A polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane was modified by a low temperature plasma treatment and grafted with cross-linked collagen. The crosslinker of collagen was glutaraldehyde. The effects of glutaraldehyde concentration, crosslinking time and crosslinking temperature on membrane properties and surface structure were investigated. The properties of the modified membrane were characterized by the contact angle and pure water flux. The surface structure of the membrane dyed with an acid dye was observed by a polarizing microscope. The modified membrane was further characterized concerning permeability and adsorption capacity. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as a model protein. The cell culture ability of the membrane was examined by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) method. The amount of grafted collagen on the membrane surface reached the maximum when collagen was cross-linked with 0.4 wt% glutaraldehyde for 1 h at 35 °C. The BSA adsorption capacity and cell culture ability examination indicated that the PVDF membrane grafted with cross-linked collagen had good hydrophilicity and biocompatibility.