Multilayer Films and Platelets for Biomedical Applications

Presented by Kent Coulter, Mechanical & Materials Engineering Division, Southwest Research Institute

Novel multilayer films and particles for targeted drug delivery, localized therapeutic treatment, and detection and diagnosis require unique physical properties such as superparamagnetism, quantum confinement, and/or tailored surface functionalities while being non-cytotoxic and having colloidal and pH stability. Thin film structures composed of alternating layers of metal and dielectric layers exhibit many of the desired electrical, chemical, and mechanical properties and can be improved or modified by varying the materials, layer thickness, topography of the interfaces, and the crystalline structure to incorporate multi-functionality into a single device. The subsequent comminuting of these films into high aspect ratio flakes/platelets provides a platform for administrating in-vivo or in-vitro with the particle size controlled to target specific regions. The development of a multilayer film or platelet that is capped with a layer of
biocompatible material provides the opportunity to take advantage of enhanced ‘nano’ properties while providing micron sized structures that can be easily handled using conventional treatment and application methodologies. The design considerations, fabrication process, and film/platelet properties for biomedical applications will be discussed.