Plasma lithography–thin-film patterning of polymeric biomaterials by RF plasma polymerization I: Surface preparation and analysis

Citation

Goessl, A.; Garrison, M. D.; Lhoest, J. B.; & Hoffman, A. S. (2001). Plasma lithography--thin-film patterning of polymeric biomaterials by RF plasma polymerization I: Surface preparation and analysis. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed, 12(7), 721-738.

Abstract

Plasma lithography, combining plasma deposition with photolithography, is described as a versatile method to manufacture all-polymeric substrates with thin-film patterns for applications in biomedical engineering. Patterns of a hydrophobic fluorocarbon plasma polymer with feature sizes between 5 and 100 microm were deposited on a base substrate in a lift-off process: an intermediate tetraglyme plasma polymer layer provides non-fouling properties to the base substrate. Careful analysis of critical process parameters identified the narrow window of process conditions that led to the formation of functional surface patterns. High pattern fidelity, aspect ratios, and resolution of the patterns are demonstrated by atomic force microscopy. Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) were used to characterize the surfaces, showing good retention of the original chemical structure of the pattern components throughout the process. SIMS imaging was used for specific chemical imaging of the components. Potential applications for the patterned polymer films, e.g., for studying cell behavior in vitro in dependence of shape and size of adhering cells, are discussed.

Keyword(s)

Biocompatible Materials
Biomedical Engineering
Ethylene Glycols
Fluorocarbon Polymers
Imaging, Three-Dimensional
Microscopy, Atomic Force
Nanotechnology
Spectrometry, Mass, Secondary Ion
Spectrum analysis
Substrate Specificity
Surface Properties

Reference Type

Journal Article

Secondary Title

J Biomater Sci Polym Ed

Author(s)

Goessl, A.
Garrison, M. D.
Lhoest, J. B.
Hoffman, A. S.

Year Published

2001

Date Published

978307200

Volume Number

12

Issue Number

7

Pages

721-738

DOI

Plasma lithography--thin-film patterning of polymeric biomaterials by RF plasma polymerization I