Laser-Processed PEN with Au Nanowires Array: A Biocompatibility Assessment

Abstract

Although many noble metals are known for their antibacterial properties against the most common pathogens, such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis, their effect on healthy cells can be toxic. For this reason, the choice of metals that preserve the antibacterial effect while being biocompatible with health cells is very important. This work aims to validate the effect of gold on the biocompatibility of Au/Ag nanowires, as assessed in our previous study. Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) was treated with a KrF excimer laser to provide specific laser-induced periodic structures. Then, Au was deposited onto the modified PEN via a vacuum evaporation method. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed the dependence of the surface morphology on the incidence angle of the laser beam. A resazurin assay cytotoxicity test confirmed safety against healthy human cells and even cell proliferation was observed after 72 h of incubation. We have obtained satisfactory results, demonstrating that monometallic Au nanowires can be applied in biomedical applications and provide the biocompatibility of bimetallic Au/AgNWs.

A New Promising Material for Biological Applications: Multilevel Physical Modification of AgNP-Decorated PEEK

“…Their cytotoxic effects were observed in primary lung fibroblasts (MRC-5,) incubated in Minimal Essential Medium Eagle (MEM) supplemented with 2 mM L-glutamine under standard conditions (37 • C, 5% CO 2 ) using a resazurin assay [24]. The experimental setup was the same as that from our study dealing with Au nanowires [25]. Relative cell viability was represented by the ratio of metabolically active cells to metabolically active control cells, expressed as a percentage.…”

“…On the surface of Ag/PEEK/KrF7 and Ag/PEEK/KrF13, nanostructures occurred. Nanostructures formed on the polymer substrate are known as LIPSS (laser-induced polymer surface structures), which can be arranged in ripples or in globular structures [10,25]. These structures arise after polarised laser irradiation of polymer substrates, which can absorb UV radiation due to their structures [26].…”

Influence of Cross-Linking and Crystalline Morphology on the Shape-Memory Properties of PET/PEN/PCL Copolyesters Using Trimesic Acid and Glycerol

“…Implantation for in vivo applications is one of the primary uses of shape-memory polyester, and for such applications, the biocompatibility and biodegradability of materials are of concern. Jana et al [49] have proven the non-cytotoxicity of pristine polyethylene naphthalate, and the well-known biocompatibility of PET and PCL indicates that the copolyester consisting of PET, PCL, and PEN can be considered biocompatible. Lee et al [50] incorporated dihydroxyterephthalate (DHTE) as a "Trojan Horse" counit into PET for facile chemical recycling.…”