Surface Nanopatterning of Bioabsorbable Materials Using Thermal Imprinting Technology

Our research aimed to develop a bioabsorbable material, a mixed compound of polyglycolic acid and polylactic acid, by surface nanopatterning using thermal imprinting technology and utilize it for life science and medical applications. Bioabsorbable materials such as polyglycolic acid and polylactic acid are one of the most difficult materials to surface nanofabricate in terms of melting point and flowability. Therefore, gas generated during processing was allowed to permeate through a porous cyclodextrin-based gas-permeable mold, and surface nanopatterning with a projection height of 1–2 μm and a pitch of 1.24 μm was successfully performed. Surface nanopatterning at a thermal imprint firing temperature of 50°C is expected to enhance the surface modification of bioabsorbable materials, which may be used in a wide range of applications.