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Micro- and nanostructuring of poly(ethylene-2,6-naphthalate) surfaces, for biomedical applications, using polymer replication techniques

C A Mills1, J Escarré2, E Engel3, E Martinez1, A Errachid1, J Bertomeu2, J Andreu2, J A Planell3 and J Samitier1

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Here we investigate the formation of superficial micro- and nanostructures in poly(ethylene-2,6-naphthalate) (PEN), with a view to their use in biomedical device applications, and compare its performance with a polymer commonly used for the fabrication of these devices, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The PEN is found to replicate both micro- and nanostructures in its surface, albeit requiring more forceful replication conditions than PMMA, producing a slight increase in surface hydrophilicity. This ability to form micro/nanostructures, allied to biocompatibility and good optical transparency, suggests that PEN could be a useful material for production of, or for incorporation into, transparent devices for biomedical applications. Such devices will be able to be autoclaved, due to the polymer's high temperature stability, and will be useful for applications where forceful experimental conditions are required, due to a superior chemical resistance over PMMA.


PACS

87.85.Qr Nanotechnologies-design

81.07.-b Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization

81.16.Rf Nanoscale pattern formation

81.05.Lg Polymers and plastics; rubber; synthetic and natural fibers; organometallic and organic materials

Subjects

Soft matter, liquids and polymers

Condensed matter: structural, mechanical & thermal

Nanoscale science and low-D systems

Dates

Issue 4 (April 2005)

Received 10 September 2004

Published 1 February 2005



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