Cell-surface interactions on gold-coated polydimethylsiloxane nanocomposite structures: Localized laser heating on...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a versatile polymer used in biomedical applications.
• Enhancing cell-surface interactions and protein absorption is crucial for effective biomedical devices.
• Nanoscale gold (Au) thin films can modify surface properties for improved biocompatibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cell-surface interactions on PDMS substrates coated with nanoscale gold (Au) thin films.
• To evaluate the potential of these hybrid surfaces for biomedical applications, including implantable devices.
• To assess the photothermal properties and cytotoxicity of the developed nanocomposite materials.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of PDMS and PDMS-magnetite (MNP) substrates.
• Surface treatment using UV-ozone and sputter-coating with titanium (Ti) and gold (Au) thin films.
• Characterization of cell proliferation and surface cytotoxicity using metabolic activity assays with breast cancer and normal breast cells.
• Microscopy techniques (optical and fluorescence) to study cell-surface interactions.
• Measurement of photothermal conversion efficiency.

Main Results:

• Successful fabrication of microwrinkled/buckled wavy Au films on Ti-coated PDMS substrates.
• Enhanced cell proliferation and protein absorption observed on the hybrid surfaces.
• No significant surface cytotoxicity was detected for the sputter-coated PDMS surfaces.
• Optimal photothermal conversion efficiency of approximately 31.8% was achieved for PDMS/PDMS-magnetite composites.

Conclusions:

• The developed nanoscale gold-coated PDMS nanocomposites effectively enhance cell-surface interactions.
• These materials exhibit favorable biocompatibility and promising photothermal properties.
• The findings suggest significant potential for PDMS nanocomposites in the development of advanced implantable biomedical devices.