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Complex Microstructured 3D Surfaces Using Chitosan Biopolymer
Author(s) -
Fernandez Javier G.,
Mills Christopher A.,
Samitier Josep
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
small
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.785
H-Index - 236
eISSN - 1613-6829
pISSN - 1613-6810
DOI - 10.1002/smll.200800907
Subject(s) - biopolymer , materials science , chitosan , scaffold , nanotechnology , micrometer , molding (decorative) , rheology , polymer , composite material , chemical engineering , biomedical engineering , mechanical engineering , medicine , engineering
A technique for producing micrometer‐scale structures over large, nonplanar chitosan surfaces is described. The technique makes use of the rheological characteristics (deformability) of the chitosan to create freestanding, three‐dimensional scaffolds with controlled shapes, incorporating defined microtopography. The results of an investigation into the technical limits of molding different combinations of shapes and microtopographies are presented, highlighting the versatility of the technique when used irrespectively with inorganic or delicate organic moulds. The final, replicated scaffolds presented here are patterned with arrays of one‐micrometer‐tall microstructures over large areas. Structural integrity is characterized by the measurement of structural degradation. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells cultured on a tubular scaffold show that early cell growth is conditioned by the microtopography and indicate possible uses for the structures in biomedical applications. For those applications requiring improved chemical and mechanical resistance, the structures can be replicated in poly(dimethyl siloxane).