Elastomer samples were examined with contact angles to determine their relative

wettability and surface free energy. Formulations of elastomer with both functionalized

and non-functionalized PDMS oligomer additives to alter the modulus were examined by

contact angle, with no significant difference in surface energy. Surfaces were treated

with fibronectin and radiofrequency glow discharge plasma in argon for 5 minutes at 50

W. Both treatments significantly increased the hydrophilicity after treatment, as

measured by captive bubble contact angles. Dynamic contact angle analysis of textured

surfaces showed a difference in smooth and textured areas as well.

 Contact guidance of PVECs on textured silicone elastomers was measured by the

nuclear form factor, in which the log of the ratio of nuclear length to width was

presented. Results demonstrated that as the ridge width decreased from 20 .im to 5 .im

contact guidance increased, as well as when the depth of the grooves increased from 1.5

lm to 5 rm. Data analysis showed that the groove depth was the most important factor

in nuclear alignment. Contact guidance on fibronectin-coated elastomers was examined

to determine the effect of modulus. It was expected that higher modulus materials would

increase the effect of contact guidance. Elastic modulus on 4 elastomers was measured

by tensile tests and resulted in a range of values from 0.3 MPa to 2.3 MPa. There was no

significant difference in the contact guidance on the deep 5 [m grooves with varying

modulus. The 1.5 rm deep grooves showed a significant increase in the alignment of

cells to the groove in the highest modulus material compared to the lowest modulus

material for the 5 rm and 10 rm wide ridges. The conclusion to be taken from these data

is that modulus does seem to play a role in the determination of contact guidance, but

other factors such as groove width and especially depth are more significant.