Combinatorial Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation of a biodegradable polymer and fibronectin for protein immobilization and controlled release

Abstract

• Combinatorial Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation applied to the immobilization of biodegradable polymer and protein. • Fibronectin incorporation in PDLLA matrix for controlled release. • Single step procedure for new release systems of active substances. Defined protein quantities were embedded in situ in a biodegradable polymer coating during simultaneous laser vaporization of two targets. Fibronectin (FN) and poly- dl -lactide (PDLLA) were transferred and immobilized concomitantly by Combinatorial Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation onto solid substrates. The film surface with gradient of composition was characterized by optical, scanning electron microscopy and profilometry. Micrometric FN packages were visualized in the polymeric matrix by confocal microscopy. The composition of FN was investigated by FTIR and μFTIR analyses in a polymeric matrix with different thickness.