Surface modification of electrospun fiber mats by coating and plasma treatment

In times of an aging population, the importance of regenerative therapies, such as tissue engineering (TE), is increasing. One challenging task is the complete recovery after a tendon tear in the rotator cuff. For that reason our research group (Gradierte Implantate FOR 2180) tries to develop a graded implant to regenerate the tendon bone transition of the rotator cuff. As a promising scaffold material polycaprolactone (PCL) is often used. It is biocompatible and biodegradable. However, PCL scaffolds have a highly hydrophobic surface, which is unfavorable for cell adhesion. Accordingly, a modification of the surface is necessary. Therefore, the goal of this subproject is the use of polydopamine-based coatings and plasma modification to increase the cell compatibility and to enable the graded functionalization of the surface with growth factor loaded release systems.