The construction of functional micro- or nanostructured surfaces is extensively studied since they are able to provide multifunctional properties and for large variety of potential applications in fields such as tissue engineering, wearable electronics or microfluidics. The micro- or nanosized surfaces can be easily prepared by various lithography techniques, also additional modifications (laser exposure, metal deposition and further processing) and which can induce new applicable properties on the basis of synergic effect by combining aforementioned approaches. In this work we have focused on the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) nanotextile with specific bimetallic nanostructures. Our primary target was to find optimal surface modification of silver/gold coated surface, which would induce strong antibacterial response to both gram-positive and/or gram-negative bacteria. We have used plasma-modified polytetrafluoroethylene nanotextile as a substrate, onto which silver and gold nanolayers were deposited by sputtering. The foils were further subjected to "single-shot" exposure to an excimer KrF laser and some samples were also thermally stressed before exposure. Such surfaces were further examined in terms of surface morphology and chemical composition. The surface was investigated for antibacterial properties. Their antimicrobial activity was examined in vitro against the bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis strains. The surface of the prepared materials was replicated into a lactic acid polymer and the properties were again investigated in terms of surface morphology and surface chemistry. The results demonstrated construction of antibacterial surfaces with excellent resistance to bacteria E. coli for bimetallic structures on PTFE. Excimer laser induced bimetallic pattern exhibited also significant antibacterial properties for S. epidermidis. Replication of bimetallic pattern was also demonstrated.

• Klíčová slova
• Antibacterial properties, Bimetallic nanopattern, Laser exposure, Nanostructure, Nanotextile, Noble metal, PTFE, Polymer, Replication,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Many bio-applicable materials, medical devices, and prosthetics combine both polymer and metal components to benefit from their complementary properties. This goal is normally achieved by their mechanical bonding or casting only. Here, we report an alternative easy method for the chemical grafting of a polymer on the surfaces of a metal or metal alloys using alkoxy amine salt as a coupling agent. The surface morphology of the created composites was studied by various microscopy methods, and their surface area and porosity were determined by adsorption/desorption nitrogen isotherms. The surface chemical composition was also examined by various spectroscopy techniques and electrokinetic analysis. The distribution of elements on the surface was determined, and the successful bonding of the metal/alloys on one side with the polymer on the other by alkoxy amine was confirmed. The composites show significantly increased hydrophilicity, reliable chemical stability of the bonding, even interaction with solvent for thirty cycles, and up to 95% less bacterial adhesion for the modified samples in comparison with pristine samples, i.e., characteristics that are promising for their application in the biomedical field, such as for implants, prosthetics, etc. All this uses universal, two-step procedures with minimal use of energy and the possibility of production on a mass scale.

• Klíčová slova
• PEG coating, alkoxy amine, bacterial adhesion, diazotization, grafting, medical devices, polymer layer, stainless steel, titanium,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of the formation of honeycomb microstructures and their applications, which include tissue engineering, antibacterial materials, replication processes or sensors. The history of the honeycomb pattern, the first experiments, which mostly involved the breath figure procedure and the improved phase separation, the most recent approach to honeycomb pattern formation, are described in detail. Subsequent surface modifications of the pattern, which involve physical and chemical modifications and further enhancement of the surface properties, are also introduced. Different aspects influencing the polymer formation, such as the substrate influence, a particular polymer or solvent, which may significantly contribute to pattern formation, and thus influence the target structural properties, are also discussed.

• Klíčová slova
• antibacterial properties, biopolymer, breath figure, honeycomb, improved phase separation, morphology, polymer, replication, surface modification, tissue engineering,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH