Thin films of polymer mimics of cross-linking mussel adhesive proteins deposited by matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation

• Published in: Applied surface science 2009-03, Vol.255 (10), p.5496-5498
• Main Authors: Cristescu, R., Mihailescu, I.N., Stamatin, I., Doraiswamy, A., Narayan, R.J., Westwood, G., Wilker, J.J., Stafslien, S., Chisholm, B., Chrisey, D.B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation; Mussel adhesive protein; Physics; Thin films
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2008.11.012

Mussels secrete specialized adhesives known as mussel adhesive proteins, which allow attachment of the organisms to underwater marine environments. Obtaining large quantities of naturally derived mussel adhesive proteins adhesives has proven to date rather problematic, thus, synthetic analogs of mussel adhesive proteins have recently been developed. We report deposition of 1:100 and 1:1000 poly[(3,4-dihydroxystyrene)-co-styrene)] mussel adhesive protein analogs by matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) using an ArF* excimer laser source. The deposited films have been evaluated for their antifouling behavior. The MAPLE-deposited synthetic mussel adhesive protein analog thin films are homogenous and adhesive, making the use of these materials in thin film form a viable option.