Dielectric Properties of Collagen on Plasma Modified Polyvinylidene Fluoride

Problem statement: The attachment of biopolymers such as collagen on inert polymeric template created great challenge due to hydrophobic nature of polymeric material. The modification of PVDF for improved adhesion and introduction of specific functionalities have been widely recognized in various industrial applications. Typical methods for modifying polymer surface such as chemical etching and UV irradiation are not favorable as it requires high temperature and the use of chemical solvents. However plasma modification is suitable as it utilizes low heat and a clean environment, thus preventing contamination on the deposited collagen. Approach: Free standing orientated Poly (Vinylidene Fluoride) (PVDF) films were fabricated by solution casting method and dried in a convention oven. The dried PVDF films were orientated in a tensile machine at temperature 70°C enclosed in a custom made environmental chamber. The pulling rates of 5 mm min^-1 were utilized with a draw ratio of 2 (R = L_final/_Linitial). The PVDF film was plasma treated for 60 sec to enhance the hydrophilic property of PVDF and utilized as template for collagen deposition. The deposited collagen on surface of PVDF was left in desiccators at temperature of 24°C for complete drying. Results: The untreated and plasma-treated PVDF template were observed for water contact angle measurement, the functional group and dielectric properties of collagen were observed and measured by FTIR and SOLARTRON respectively. Conclusion: The orientated PVDF films were produced at pulling speed of 5 mm min^-1 and temperature of 70°C. The hydrophobic PVDF surface was transformed to a hydrophilic surface by plasma treatment for collagen deposition. The FTIR result shows the overlapping peaks of C-H and C-F in range 1500-1000 cm^-1 which indicates the C-C bonding of collagen and PVDF. The significant increase in dielectric constant is a result from the favorable bonding between collagen and PVDF template.