Functionalization of graphenic surfaces by oxygen plasma toward enhanced wettability and cell adhesion: experiments corroborated by molecular modelling

Abstract

Graphenic materials attract huge attention because of their outstanding properties, and have a wide range of applications as, i.e., components of biomaterials. Due to their hydrophobic nature, however, the surfaces need to be functionalized to improve wettability and biocompatibility. In this study, we investigate the functionalization of graphenic surfaces by oxygen plasma treatment, introducing surface functional groups in a controlled way. The AFM images and LDI-MS results clearly show that the graphenic surface exposed to plasma is decorated with –OH groups, whereas the surface topography remains intact. The measured water contact angle decreases significantly after oxygen plasma treatment from 99° to ca. 5°, making the surface hydrophilic. It is also reflected in the surface free energy values which increase from 48.18 mJ m⁻² to 74.53 mJ m⁻² when the number of surface oxygen groups reaches 4 –OH/84 Ų. The DFT (VASP) molecular models of unmodified and oxygen-functionalized graphenic surfaces were constructed and used for molecular interpretation of water-graphenic surface interactions. The computational models were validated by comparison of the theoretically determined water contact angle (based on the Young–Dupré equation) to the experimentally determined values. Additionally, the VASPsol (implicit water environment) results were calibrated against the explicit water models that can be used in further research. Finally, the biological role of functional groups on the graphenic surface was examined in terms of cell adhesion with the use of mouse fibroblast cell line (NIH/3T3). The obtained results illustrate the correlation between surface oxygen groups, wettability, and biocompatibility providing the guidelines for the molecular level-driven design of carbon materials for various applications.