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

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) (PM...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Mills, C. A., Escarré i Palou, Jordi, Engel, Elisabeth, Martinez, E., Errachid, Abdelhamid, Bertomeu i Balagueró, Joan, Andreu i Batallé, Jordi, Planell, J. A. (Josep Anton), Samitier i Martí, Josep
Format: article
Status:Versión aceptada para publicación
Publication Date:2005
Country:España
Institution:Universidad de Barcelona
Repository:Dipòsit Digital de la UB
OAI Identifier:oai:diposit.ub.edu:2445/47428
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/2445/47428
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:Polímers
Nanoestructures
Bioenginyeria
Microelectrònica
Polymers
Nanostructures
Bioengineering
Microelectronics
Description
Summary: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.