Combinatorial matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation: Single-step synthesis of biopolymer compositional gradient thin film assemblies

Abstract

We introduce a combinatorial approach for the fabrication of organic biopolymer thin films. Structures with compositional gradient are obtained by simultaneous laser vaporization of two distinct targets. Matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation deposition method was applied to obtain a compositional library of levan and oxidized levan in form of thin film. The gradient of film composition and structure was demonstrated by infrared spectroscopy while in vitro cell culture assays illustrated characteristic responses of cells to specific surface regions. The method can rapidly generate discrete areas of organic film compositions with improved properties than starting materials. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4769987]