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Abstract:
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.
