Surface modification has been identified as an important technique that could improve the response of the body to implanted medical devices. Collagen production by fibroblasts is known to play a vital role in wound healing and device fibrous encapsulation. However, how surface chemistry affects collagen I and III deposition by these cells has not been systematically studied. Here, we report how surface chemistry influences the deposition of collagen I and III by primary human dermal fibroblasts. Amine (NH3), carboxyl acid (COOH), and hydrocarbon (CH3) surfaces were generated by plasma deposition. This is a practically relevant tool to deposit a functional coating on any type of substrate material. We show that fibroblasts adhere better and proliferate faster on amine-rich surfaces. In addition, the initial collagen I and III production is greater on this type of coating. These data indicates that surface modification can be a promising route for modulating the rate and level of fibrous encapsulation and may be useful in informing the design of implantable biomedical devices to produce more predictable clinical outcomes.
Keywords: collagen I; collagen III; fibroblasts; plasma polymerization; surface chemistry.