Matrix-assisted pulsed-laser evaporation of DOPA-modified poly(ethylene glycol) thin films

3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine-modified poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG-DOPA3) is a biologically-inspired material that exhibits unique adhesion properties. In this study, mPEG-DOPA3 thin films were prepared using a novel laser process known as matrix-assisted pulsed-laser evaporation (MAPLE). The films were examined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, profilometry, antifouling studies and cell adhesion studies. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data demonstrated that the main functional groups in the MAPLE-deposited mPEGDOPA3 films remained intact. Profilometry and atomic force microscopy studies confirmed that MAPLE provides excellent control over film morphology, as well as film thickness. High resolution patterns of mPEG-DOPA3 thin films were obtained by masking. MAPLE-deposited mPEG-DOPA3 thin films demonstrated an absence of cytotoxicity and acceptable antifouling properties against the marine bacterium Cytophaga lytica. MAPLE-deposited mPEG-DOPA3 thin films potentially have numerous biomedical and marine applications.