Abstract
This paper analyses the possibility of obtaining surface-infused nano gold particles with the polyether ether ketone (PEEK) using picosecond laser treatment. To fuse particles into polymer, the raw surface of PEEK was sputtered with 99.99% Au and micromachined by an A-355 laser device for gold particle size reduction. Biomimetic pattern and parameters optimization were key properties of the design for biomedical application. The structures were investigated by employing surface topography in the presence of micron and sub-micron features. The energy of the laser beam stating the presence of polymer bond thermalisation with remelting due to high temperature was also taken into the account. The process was suited to avoid intensive surface modification that could compromise the mechanical properties of fragile cardiovascular devices. The initial material analysis was conducted by power–depth dependence using confocal microscopy. The evaluation of gold particle size reduction was performed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), secondary electron (SE) and quadrant backscatter electron detector (QBSD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The visibility of the constituted coating was checked by a commercial grade X-ray that is commonly used in hospitals. Attempts to reduce deposited gold coating to the size of Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) and to fuse them into the groove using a laser beam have been successfully completed. The relationship between the laser power and the characteristics of the particles remaining in the laser irradiation area has been established. A significant increase in quantity was achieved using laser power with a minimum power of 15 mW. The obtained results allowed for the continuation of the pilot study for augmented research and material properties analysis.
Highlights
The current study focuses on laser beam material modification by deposition of Au particles and reduces its size to nanoscale by so-called top-down methods [14]
The gold nanoparticles are widely used as markers in X-ray, computer tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans, etc., [22] and are desired to be applied in this case to evaluate the polymeric implant position after implantation and to control material degradation during the long-lasting perspective, as gold is considered to be biocompatible [23,24]
Preliminary research of laser-assisted deposition of gold nanoparticles in polyether ether ketone (PEEK) polymer allows for a positive assessment of the applied technique
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. The gold nanoparticles are widely used as markers in X-ray, computer tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans, etc., [22] and are desired to be applied in this case to evaluate the polymeric implant position after implantation and to control material degradation during the long-lasting perspective, as gold is considered to be biocompatible [23,24]. It is important, especially for cardiac devices, whose proper functionality depend on correct anatomic positioning. Antibacterial properties of gold were desired as a potential lowering of implant failure in the early stages after operation time due to the reluctance of bacteria to settle on the surface [28]
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