(693f) Modification of Parylene-C Substrates Using Photo-Initiated Chemical Vapor Deposition

Parylene-C is a polymer of great interest for biomedical applications because of its biocompatibility, electrical resistance, solvent resistance, and chemical stability. However, since Parylene-C is relatively hydrophobic, it has been shown to promote protein and cell adhesion, limiting its anti-fouling properties as an implantable material. In this work, we show that we are able to controllably tune the surface of Parylene-C substrates using photo-initiated chemical vapor deposition. The surface composition can be finely controlled using the various iCVD parameters, such as pressure, monomer flow rate, and substrate temperature. The generality of this procedure allows for a wide range of functionalities that could be attached to Parylene-C substrates. We show the durability of the coatings by running them through many solvent sonication rounds to show no degradation of surface functionality or composition.