Abstract: The invention is directed to an ion plasma deposition (IPD) method adapted to coat polymer surfaces with highly adherent antimicrobial films. A controlled ion plasma deposition (IPD) process is used to coat a metal or polymer with a selected metal/metal oxide. Exposing the coated surface to ultraviolet light significantly improves the antimicrobial properties of the deposited coatings.

Abstract: Thin conductive metal coatings suitable for flexible nonmetal fine wires and leads are described. Polymer clad silica fiber cores are produced by plasma coating with single or dual layers of metals such as silver, gold or titanium to provide micro thin leads such as those used for pacemakers and fracture resistant aircraft wires that are both conductive and resistant to flexing breakage. The metal surfaces can be used to transmit analog signals while the nonmetal cores can be designed to transmit digital signals. Select deposition conditions can produce nanorough metal coating surfaces which promote cell adhesion so that tissue scarring in vivo is greatly reduced.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an ion plasma deposition (IPD) method adapted to coat polymer surfaces with highly adherent antimicrobial films. A controlled ion plasma deposition (IPD) process is used to coat a metal or polymer with a selected metal/metal oxide. Exposing the coated surface to ultraviolet light significantly improves the antimicrobial properties of the deposited coatings.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an ion plasma deposition (IPD) method adapted to coat polymer surfaces with highly adherent antimicrobial films. A controlled ion plasma deposition (IPD) process is used to coat a metal or polymer with a selected metal/metal oxide. Exposing the coated surface to ultraviolet light significantly improves the antimicrobial properties of the deposited coatings.

Abstract: A molecular plasma deposition (MPD) method in combination with an atomic layer deposition (ALD) procedure is used to produce amorphous, nonconformal thin metal film coatings on a variety of substrates. The films are porous, mesh-like lattices with imperfections such as pinholes and pores, which are useful as scaffolds for cell attachment, controlled release of bioactive agents and protective coatings.

Abstract: Vapor plasma deposition of titanium (Ti) metal onto a substrate forms a structured surface that exhibits enhanced cell attachment properties. Initially deposited round nanoparticulate surface structures develop tentacles with a spine or thorn-like appearance upon continued deposition under special conditions. The density and size of the formed spinulose particles can be controlled by timing the deposition intervals. A significant increase in osteoblast, fibroblast and endothelial cell attachment is observed on Ti spinulose surfaces compared to attachment on nanoparticulate surfaces lacking spinulous nanostructure.

Abstract: The invention is directed to efficient methods for depositing highly adherent anti-microbial materials onto a wide range of surfaces. A controlled cathodic arc process is described, which results in enhanced adhesion of silver oxide to polymers and other surfaces, such as surfaces of medical devices. Deposition of anti-microbial materials directly onto the substrates is possible in a cost-effective manner that maintains high anti-microbial activity over several weeks when the coated devices are employed in vivo.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for initiation and control of a sustained metal plasma and nano plasma (macroparticulate) deposition methods for preparing modified metal coatings are provided. The plasma deposition process can be tightly controlled by virtue of a device that incorporates a plasma arc initiator component and an internal power supply that is capable of controlling dwell time on the target and the size range of particles ejected in the plasma arc.

Abstract: A modified atomic plasma deposition (APD) procedure is used to produce amorphous, nonconformal thin metal film coatings on a variety of substrates. The films are porous, mesh-like lattices with imperfections such as pinholes and pores, which are useful as scaffolds for cell attachment, controlled release of bioactive agents and protective coatings.

Abstract: Vapor plasma deposition of titanium (Ti) metal onto a substrate forms a structured surface that exhibits enhanced cell attachment properties. Initially deposited round nanoparticulate surface structures develop tentacles with a spine or thorn-like appearance upon continued deposition under special conditions. The density and size of the formed spinulose particles can be controlled by timing the deposition intervals. A significant increase in osteoblast, fibroblast and endothelial cell attachment is observed on Ti spinulose surfaces compared to attachment on nanoparticulate surfaces lacking spinulous nanostructure.

Abstract: Nanostructured surfaces on selected substrates are described which are highly resistant to cell adhesion. Such surfaces on medical implants inhibit fibroblast adhesion particularly on nanorough titanium deposited on smooth silicone surfaces. The nanostructured deposited metal coatings can also be engineered so that several cell types, including endothelial, osteoblast, and fibroblast cells, show little if any tendency to attach to the coated surface in vivo.

Abstract: Thin conductive metal coatings suitable for flexible nonmetal fine wires and leads are described. Polymer clad silica fiber cores are produced by plasma coating with dual layers of metals such as silver, gold or titanium to provide micro thin leads such as those used for pacemakers that are resistant to flexing breakage, and are conductive. The metal surfaces can be engineered to promote cell adhesion so that tissue scarring in vivo is greatly reduced. Nanostructure and thickness of the metal coating can be controlled to provide radiopaque surfaces on nonmetal medical devices and lead wires.

Abstract: Bioactive molecules have been coated on nanotubular structured titanium substrates by molecular plasma deposition. The coatings promote cell adhesion and are particularly suited for orthopedic implants that provide improved bone cell adhesion and new tissue growth. Nanodimensional features on titanium substrates are engineered using electrochemical anodization techniques. The nanostructured surfaces provide superior support for a wide selection of polypeptide coatings.

Abstract: Spinulose surfaces such as titanium and zirconium can be coated with a range of polymers used to form thin, adherent polymer surface films. Selected polymer coatings are useful for use as biocompatible surfaces on implants, catheters, guidewires, stents and a variety of medical devices for in vivo applications. The polymer coatings can also be used to protect metal surfaces nanostructured with spinulose titanium or zirconium.

Abstract: Nanophase single or multiple layer time release coatings over drugs attached to metal surfaces are described. The coatings are deposited over a drug attached to a porous metal substrate using an atomic plasma deposition procedure. Porosity of the substrate and the number of APD deposited layers controls drug release when the attached drug is exposed to an aqueous medium.

Abstract: Nanotubular structured titanium (Ti) substrates have been coated with nanoparticulate hydroxyapatite (nano-HA). The nano-HA surface is highly adherent to the nanotubular Ti surface and is free of microparticles. The nano-HA coated nanotubular Ti surface promotes osteoblast cell adhesion and is particularly suitable for orthopedic and dental implants where deposition of osteoblasts and other proteins is important in bone formation.

Abstract: Textured nanostructured surfaces are described which are highly resistant to cell adhesion. Such surfaces on medical implants inhibit fibroblast adhesion particularly on titanium treated silicone. The surfaces can also be engineered so that other cell types, such as endothelial and osteoblast cells, show little if any tendency to attach to the surface in vivo.

Abstract: Substrates coated with several classes of bioactive agents, including antimicrobial agents, are described. The coating technique is based on a molecular plasma discharge deposition method such that the deposited materials retain biological activity and/or structure. The deposited biomaterials can be selected for a variety of medical uses, including coated implants for in situ release of pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for initiation and control of a sustained metal plasma and nano plasma (macroparticulate) deposition methods for preparing modified metal coatings are provided. The plasma deposition process can be tightly controlled by virtue of a device that incorporates a plasma arc initiator component and an internal power supply that is capable of controlling dwell time on the target and the size range of particles ejected in the plasma arc.

Abstract: A plasma vapor deposition method for producing highly reflective and adherent metal or metal alloy decorative coatings on articles such as automotive fixtures is described. The improved coatings are particularly applicable to chrome based coatings on automobile fixtures and accessories, including wheels, hubcaps, bumpers and door handles. The method also provides plated metal coatings such as gold, platinum and silver for jewelry and industrial tools.