Large-area sub-micron structured surfaces using micro injection moulding templates of nanoporous anodized Aluminum Oxide

This study demonstrates a mass production method using nanoporous Anodized Aluminum Oxide (AAO)
templates as mould insert tools that are used to structure large area polymer surfaces by a micro injection
moulding process. SEM and water contact angle measurements served to evaluate the effect of nanostructures
on surface properties. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured on nano-structured and ultra-smooth
surfaces of polymer parts. Experimental results indicated that nano-pillar features sized from ~100nm to 250nm
were easily replicated on these same polymer surfaces. The contact angles varied from 3o to 9o. The nanoporous
AAO templates were able to retain their pore integrity very well for ~80 injection moulding cycles: this suggests
they they could be a potential mould tool for large area patterning of polymer surfaces. The endothelial cell culture
analysis indicates that cell growth was not significantly affected by nano-topography compared to the smooth
surfaces (baseline RA ~6nm) and both surfaces had equally good cell adhesion.