Integration of Biofunctional Molecules into 3D-Printed Polymeric Micro-/Nanostructures

3D Nanolithography by Means of Lipid Ink Spreading Inhibition

While patterning 2D metallic nanostructures are well established through different techniques, 3D printing still constitutes a major bottleneck on the way to device miniaturization. In this work a fluid phase phospholipid ink is used as a building block for structuring with dip-pen nanolithography. Following a bioinspired approach that relies on ink-spreading inhibition, two processes are presented to build 2D and 3D metallic structures. Serum albumin, a widely used protein with an innate capability to bind to lipids, is the key in both processes. Covering the sample surface with it prior to lipid writing, anchors lipids on the substrate, which ultimately allows the creation of highly stable 3D lipid-based scaffolds to build metallic structures.

Optimization of Technological Parameters of the Process of Forming Therapeutic Biopolymer Nanofilled Films

The prospects of using biopolymer nano-containing films for wound healing were substantiated. The main components of biopolymer composites are gelatin, polyvinyl alcohol, glycerin, lactic acid, distilled water, and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs). Biopolymer composites were produced according to various technological parameters using a mould with a chrome coating. The therapeutic properties of biopolymer films were evaluated by measuring the diameter of the protective effect. Physico-mechanical properties were studied: elasticity, vapour permeability, degradation time, and swelling. To study the influence of technological parameters of the formation process of therapeutic biopolymer nanofilled films on their therapeutic and physico-mechanical properties, the planning of the experiment was used. According to the results of the experiments, mathematical models of the second-order were built. The optimal values of technological parameters of the process are determined, which provide biopolymer nanofilled films with maximum healing ability (diameter of protective action) and sufficiently high physical and mechanical properties: elasticity, vapour permeability, degradation time and swelling. The research results showed that the healing properties of biopolymer films mainly depend on the content of ZnO NPs. Degradation of these biopolymer films provides dosed drug delivery to the affected area. The products of destruction are carbon dioxide, water, and a small amount of ZnO in the bound state, which indicates the environmental safety of the developed biopolymer film.

FluidFM-Based Fabrication of Nanopatterns: Promising Surfaces for Platelet Storage Application

Platelets are cell fragments from megakaryocytes devoid of the cell nucleus. They are highly sensitive and easily activated by nonphysiological surfaces. Activated platelets have an intrinsic mechanism to release various proteins that participate in multiple pathways, initiating the platelet activation cascade. Surface-induced platelet activation is a challenge encountered during platelet storage, which eventually leads to aggregation of platelets and can thereby result in the degradation of the platelet concentrates. We have previously reported that surface-induced platelet activation can be minimized by either modifying their contact surfaces with polymers or introducing nanogroove patterns underneath the platelets. Here, we investigated the response of platelets to various nanotopographical surfaces printed using fluidic force microscopy (FluidFM). We found that the hemispherical array (grid) and hexagonal tile (hive) structures caused a reduction of surface stiffness, which leads to an inhibition of platelet adhesion. Our results reveal that nanopatterns enable the inhibition of platelet activation on surfaces, thus implying that development in nanotexturing of storage bags can extend the lifetime of platelet concentrates.