PMMA and PMMA-Ag thin films deposited by a system combining inductively coupled plasma polymerisation and RF sputtering

A plasma system, combining inductively coupled plasma (ICP) polymerisation and RF sputtering, was used to deposit poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) thin films with or without embedding Ag nanoparticles (NPs), aiming at improved biocompatibility and anti-bacterial behaviours. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) was used to determine the vibrational modes of bonding in the deposited PMMA films. The films' cross-sectional morphologies were examined by FESEM. Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) photospectrometry was used to examine the optical properties. Eventually, the film structure and the embedment of Ag NPs were confirmed. The biocompatibility of the PMMA and PMMA/Ag films were shown to be desirable. Ag NPs did not show negative effect on the biocompatibility. In addition, the PMMA-Ag films show expected antibacterial behaviour.