@article {19478,
	title = {From honeycomb- to microsphere-patterned surfaces of poly(lactic acid) and a starch-poly(lactic acid) blend via the breath figure method},
	journal = {Journal of Applied Biomaterials \& Functional Materials},
	volume = {15},
	year = {2017},
	month = {2017-01-26 00:00:00},
	pages = {e31-e42},
	publisher = {Wichtig Publishing},
	abstract = {




Background: This study investigated the preparation of ordered patterned surfaces and/or microspheres from a natural-based polymer, using the breath figure and reverse breath figure methods.
 Methods: Poly(D,L-lactic acid) and starch poly(lactic acid) solutions were precipitated in different conditions {\textendash} namely, polymer concentration, vapor atmosphere temperature and substrate {\textendash} to evaluate the effect of these conditions on the morphology of the precipitates obtained. 
Results: The possibility of fine-tuning the properties of the final patterns simply by changing the vapor atmo- sphere was also demonstrated here using a range of compositions of the vapor phase. Porous films or discrete particles are formed when the differences in surface tension determine the ability of polymer solution to sur- round water droplets or methanol to surround polymer droplets, respectively. In vitro cytotoxicity was assessed applying a simple standard protocol to evaluate the possibility to use these materials in biomedical applications. Moreover, fluorescent microscopy images showed a good interaction of cells with the material, which were able to adhere on the patterned surfaces after 24 hours in culture. 
Conclusions: The development of patterned surfaces using the breath figure method was tested in this work for the preparation of both poly(lactic acid) and a blend containing starch and poly(lactic acid). The potential of these films to be used in the biomedical area was confirmed by a preliminary cytotoxicity test and by morphological observation of cell adhesion. 



},
	keywords = {Biomaterials, Breath figures, natural polymers, Patterns, Poly(lactic acid), Starch},
	issn = {2280-8000},
	doi = {10.5301/jabfm.5000281},
	url = {http://www.jab-fm.com/article/f68d88a8-f5fa-49f5-8b3e-0d6cdbebee02},
	author = {Duarte, A. R. C. and Maniglio, D. and Sousa, N. and Mano, J. F. and Reis, R. L. and Migliaresi, C.}
}