Importance

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Abstract

The present invention includes methods of permanently modifying the surface of a substrate material so as to develop a microscopically smooth, biocompatible surface thereon. A portion of the substrate surface is first removed, as by etching, in a radio frequency plasma reactor using inert argon gas. A biocompatible polymeric material may be covalently grafted to the surface of the substrate material by radio frequency plasma-induced grafting. The biocompatible polymeric material is preferably the same as the substrate material but may be different. Alternatively, after etching, the surface of a substrate material may be subjected to radio frequency plasma sufficient to raise the temperature at the substrate surface to just above the glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) of the substrate material for a time sufficient to produce a microscopically smooth, biocompatible surface on the substrate material. Further, the present invention includes a prosthesis used in mammals, including an intraocular lens, having a polymeric material core and a biocompatible polymeric material covalently grafted to the polymer core by radio frequency plasma treatment.

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First Claim