Transparent micro- and nanopatterned poly(lactic acid) for biomedical applications.
The formation of structures in poly(lactic acid) has been investigated with respect to producing areas of regular, superficial features with dimensions comparable to those of cells or biological macromolecules. Nanoembossing, a novel method of pattern replication in polymers, has been used for the production of features ranging from tens of micrometers, covering areas up to 1 cm(2), down to hundreds of nanometers. Both micro- and nanostructures are faithfully replicated. Contact-angle measurements suggest that positive microstructuring of the polymer (where features protrude from the polymer surface) produces a more hydrophilic surface than negative microstructuring. The ability to structure the surface of the poly(lactic acid), allied to the polymer's postprocessing transparency and proven biocompatibility, means that thin films produced in this way will be useful for bioengineers studying the interaction of micro- and nanodimensioned features with biological specimen, with regard to tissue engineering, for example.
Mills
Christopher A
CA
Centre of Reference for Bioengineering in Catalonia, CREBEC, Laboratory of Nanobioengineering, Barcelona Science Park, C/Josep Samitier 1-5, 08028 Barcelona, Spain. cmills@pcb.ub.es
Navarro
Melba
M
Engel
Elisabeth
E
Martinez
Elena
E
Ginebra
Maria Pau
MP
Planell
Josep
J
Errachid
Abdelhamid
A
Samitier
Josep
J
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002460:Cell Line; D019344:Lactic Acid; D036103:Nanotechnology; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide)