Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Research Group

Papers in Scientific Journals

From honeycomb- to microsphere-patterned surfaces of poly(lactic acid) and a starch-poly(lactic acid) blend via the breath figure method

Abstract

Background: This study investigated the preparation of ordered patterned surfaces and/or microspheres from a natural-based polymer, using the breath figure and reverse breath figure methods.
Methods: Poly(D,L-lactic acid) and starch poly(lactic acid) solutions were precipitated in different conditions – namely, polymer concentration, vapor atmosphere temperature and substrate – to evaluate the effect of these conditions on the morphology of the precipitates obtained.

Results: The possibility of fine-tuning the properties of the final patterns simply by changing the vapor atmo- sphere was also demonstrated here using a range of compositions of the vapor phase. Porous films or discrete particles are formed when the differences in surface tension determine the ability of polymer solution to sur- round water droplets or methanol to surround polymer droplets, respectively. In vitro cytotoxicity was assessed applying a simple standard protocol to evaluate the possibility to use these materials in biomedical applications. Moreover, fluorescent microscopy images showed a good interaction of cells with the material, which were able to adhere on the patterned surfaces after 24 hours in culture.

Conclusions: The development of patterned surfaces using the breath figure method was tested in this work for the preparation of both poly(lactic acid) and a blend containing starch and poly(lactic acid). The potential of these films to be used in the biomedical area was confirmed by a preliminary cytotoxicity test and by morphological observation of cell adhesion.

Journal
Journal of Applied Biomaterials & Functional Materials
Volume
15
Issue
1
Pagination
e31-e42
Publisher
Wichtig Publishing
ISSN
2280-8000
URL
http://www.jab-fm.com/article/f68d88a8-f5fa-49f5-8b3e-0d6cdbebee02
Keywords
Biomaterials, Breath figures, natural polymers, Patterns, Poly(lactic acid), Starch
Rights
Restricted Access
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Status
published
Project
POLARIS
Year of Publication
2017
DOI
10.5301/jabfm.5000281
Date Published
2017-01-26
Search Google ScholarGenerate BibTexDownload RTF
This website uses cookies. By using this website you consent to our use of these cookies. For more information visit our Policy Page.