Nanostructured bacteria-resistant polymer materials
AssigneeNortheastern University
InventorThomas J. Webster
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods for creating nanostructured surface features on polymers and polymer composites involve application of low pressure during curing of solid polymer material from a solvent solution. The resulting nanoscale surface features significantly decrease bacterial growth on the surface. Polymer materials having the nanoscale structuring can be used in implantable medical devices to inhibit bacterial growth and infection.
Claims15
A method of nanostructuring a surface of a polymer material, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a liquid solution comprising a polymer material dissolved in an organic solvent;
- and
- (b) evaporating the solvent from the liquid organic solvent solution low pressure sufficient for nanostructuring a surface of the polymer material, whereby the polymer material solidifies into a solid form comprising the polymer material, wherein the surface of the polymer material is nano structured.
A method of nanostructuring a surface of a polymer material, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing an article or device comprising a polymer material surface and an organic solvent capable of dissolving the polymer material;
- (b) applying the solvent to the polymer material surface, whereby a portion of the polymer material surface dissolves in the solvent thereby forming a liquid organic solvent solution comprising the polymer;
- and
- (c) evaporating the solvent from the liquid organic solvent solution at low pressure sufficient for nanostructuring the portion of the polymer material surface, whereby the dissolved polymer material solidifies into a solid form comprising the polymer material, wherein a surface of the polymer material is nanostructured.
A method of nanostructuring a surface of a polymer material, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a liquid organic solvent melt comprising a liquid solution of a polymer material dissolved in an organic solvent;
- (b) extruding the liquid organic solvent melt from an extrusion device to form an extruded article;
- and
- (c) evaporating the solvent from the liquid organic solvent melt of the extruded article at low pressure sufficient for nanostructuring polymer material at a surface of the extruded article formed of the polymer material, whereby the extruded article solidifies into a solid form comprising the polymer material, wherein the surface of the extruded article formed of the polymer material becomes nanostructured.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.