Impact of open-air processing on atmospheric pressure plasma deposition of poly(ethylene oxide) coatings for antifouling applications

Atmospheric pressure plasma deposition (APPD) of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-like antifouling coatings provides an attractive way to reduce biofouling for reliable biosensor operation. Cold atmospheric pressure plasma jets are designed to operate in open air. This paper demonstrates the impact of open-air processing on the composition and properties of PEO-like coatings by APPD with vinyl ether precursors. The open-air environment inhibits polymerization as indicated by low deposition rates, oxygen incorporation in the coatings, and instability of the coatings in water. The composition and stability of the coatings improve by appropriate nozzle design and by deposition in an environment with lower air content. The resulting PEO-like coatings are stable and antifouling for an antibody solution and inhibit adhesion of human fibroblast cells.