ZnO nanoparticles were prepared by a green electrochemical synthesis method applying low current densities followed by a thermal treatment. Sodium polystyrene sulphonate (PSS) was used as stabilizer in the electrolytic aqueous medium due to its biocompatibility and stability. The as-prepared nanocolloids were then annealed to improve their stability, and then converted via hydroxide species into stoichiometric oxide. Different calcination temperatures were studied. ZnO@PSS nanomaterials were deposited onto SiO2/Si substrates, in part in combination with an organic semiconductor layer to evaluate their influence on organic field effect transistors (OFETs). All nanomaterials and composite layers were characterized by morphological and spectroscopic techniques. Promising results regarding the use of ZnO@PSS in OFETs could be demonstrated.

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2004 in Savannah, Georgia, USA, August 1–5, 2004.

We have demonstrated deposition of dexamethasone thin films via matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE). Infrared analysis revealed that dexamethasone thin films deposited by MAPLE and by drop casting had a similar absorbance spectra. AFM imaging of the MAPLE-deposited dexamethasone thin film revealed 2–10 μm punctuate ring-like structures. Deposited dexamethasone was tested for positive bioactivity by treating primary microglia cells with lipopolysacchride and measuring nitric oxide (NO) production. The successful deposition of dexamethasone thin films can be used on neural implants to prevent tissue injury and inflammatory response.

We have deposited poly (D, L lactic acid) (PDLLA) thin films using matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE). FTIR spectroscopy revealed that the PDLLA had similar absorption bands to the dropcast material. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy has shown that peaks corresponding to C-H, C-O and C=O represented 38.4, 30.1 and 31.4% of the C1s spectrum, respectively. XPS O1s analysis revealed that the O=C and O-C components make up 52 and 48 % of the O1s content. Atomic force microscopy revealed that MAPLE deposition provides smooth, continuous thin biomaterial films. These matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation-deposited biomaterial thin films may serve to improve the implant/tissue interface.