Investigation of air plasma generated by surface microdischarge for decellularized porcine aortic valve leaflets modification

In this study, the surface microdischarge (SMD) device was used to modify the mechanical properties of decellularized porcine aortic valve leaflets (DPAVL). It was found that SMD treatment under NOx mode considerably improved the ultimate tensile strength and the Young's modulus of DPAVL, whereas treatment under O-3 mode had no effect. The absorbance band peak at similar to 1,375 cm(-1), measured by Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer, increased with treatment time in the freeze-dried DPAVL group under NOx mode treatment. The microstructure was not destroyed and blood compatibility test showed no toxicity. The reaction between plasma-activated species and the DPAVL and the pH change, other than temperature/UV irradiation, plays a major role. All of the results indicate that cold atmospheric plasma treatment seems to be a potential alternative for DPAVL modification.