Abstract
Novel biocompatible polymer films were derived from LLA with molecularly smooth surfaces by using a plasma deposition method significantly enhanced with higher monomer vapor densities. It was found that hydrocarbons (and chain crosslinks) increased relative to the oxygen-containing moieties as plasma power or reaction time increased, following a reaction scenario dominated by energy-mediated molecular scission pathways. With the hydroxyl groups being retained, the films of excellent mechanical strength were highly hydrophilic and manifested excellent biocompatibility applicable for a wide range of biomedical coatings. This work also demonstrated the feasibility of converting common molecules to useful polymers under appropriate plasma conditions. A figure is presented. ©2009 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.