Investigation of cell growth on ion beam patterns on GPC surface

We have used implanted silver ions near the surface of Glassy Polymeric Carbon (GPC) to completely inhibit cell attachment and adhesion to GPC. The effect improves the safety and function of the GPC heart valve exposed to the blood stream. The strength, durability and low density make GPC a favored material for in vivo medical applications, including transcutaneous electrodes and replacement heart valves. However, the possible release of endothelial tissue that forms on the smooth surfaces of the GPC heart valve has the potential of creating an embolism. We have shown that L929 endothelial cells avoid silver implanted areas of GPC but attach and strongly adhere to areas close to silver implanted surfaces. Patterned ion implantation permits precise control of tissue growth on GPC and other biocompatible substrates. Cell growth inhibited by silver ion implanted patterns on an otherwise biocompatible substrate may be useful for in vitro studies of the way that cells sense and move away from inhospitable environments.