The Influence of Ion Implantation on cell Attachment to Glassy Polymeric Carbon

In vitro biocompatibility tests have been carried out with model cell lines to demonstrate that near surface implantation of silver in Glassy Polymeric Carbon (GPC) can completely inhibit cell attachment on implanted areas while leaving adjacent areas unaffected. Patterned ion implantation permits precise control of tissue growth on medical applications of GPC. We have shown that silver ion implantation or argon ion assisted surface deposition of silver inhibits cell growth on GPC, a desirable improvement of current cardiac implants.