We have developed a novel method to deposit nanostructured polymer films that have novel physical and chemical properties for materials applications.[1-7] This novel material has emergent properties: For example, functional properties can be controlled to increase bioadhesion (for cell studies) or to block bioadhesion (antifouling). (see figure 1)

We are studying the surface morphology (e.g. size and shape) and porosity of nanoporous materials comprehensively. The morphology of polymer thin film comprises nanowires of 1-3 nm size that coalesce into columns 50-300 nm diameter, depending on the deposition material and the deposition conditions (Figure 1). These films are deposited on a substrate from a directional vapor source, with the substrate orientation relative to vapor source dynamically manipulated during deposition.

We have recently functionalized nanostructured polymer films for controlled release and delivery of organics and synthetic molecules. Nanoporous polymer films are envisioned to be useful in for specific controlled drug release, tissue targeting as well as antifouling applications. 

 

Figure 1.  Top surface confocal laser microscope images of cells growth (left) and bioadhesion blocked (right)  on nanostructured  thin films

 

References :

Cetinkaya, M., Boduroglu, S., Demirel, M.C.  “Growth of Nanostructured Thin Films of Poly(p-xylylene) Derivatives by Vapor Deposition”, Polymer, in press, 2007 (PDF)

Demirel, M.C., So, E., Ritty, T.M, Naidu, S, Lakhtakia, A., "Fibroblast Cell Attachment and Growth on Nanoengineered Sculptured Thin Films", Journal of Biomedical Research Materials-B, Vol 81B, pg. 219-223, 2006 (PDF)

Pursel, S., Horn, M.W., Demirel, M.C., Lakhtakia, A., “Growth of Sculptured Polymer Suwire Assemblies by Vapor Deposition”, Vol. 46, Polymer, pg. 9544-9548, 2005 (PDF)

Demirel, M.C., Boduroglu S., Cetinkaya, M., Lakhtakia, A. “Spatially Organized Free-Standing Poly(P-xylylene) Nanowires Fabricated by Vapor Deposition”, Langmuir, in press, 2007(PDF)

Lakhtakia, A, Demirel, M.C., Horn, M.W., Xu, J, "Emerging Directions in Sculptured Thin Film Research", Advances in Solid State Physics, Vol. 46, in press, 2007 (PDF)

Demirel, M.C., Cetinkaya, M., Singh, A., Dressick W.J.,  “A Non-Covalent Method for Depositing Nanoporous Metals via Spatially Organized Poly(P-xylylene) Films”, Advanced Materials, submitted, 2007 (PDF)

Demirel, M.C., Boduroglu S., Dressick, W., Singh, A.  “ Superhydrophobic Surfaces from Nanostructured Poly-P-xylylene Thin Films”, submitted, 2007 (PDF)