Modification of Teflon surface by proton microbeam and nitrogen ion beam

Teflon surfaces were modified using a combination of 3 MeV proton microbeam scanning and subsequent 250 keV N2+ ion beam irradiation. When a Teflon surface is irradiated using only an N2+ ion beam, micro-protrusions are densely formed in the irradiated area. It has been previously confirmed that these protrusions aid the attachment of biological cells, which then spread on the surface. Therefore, modification of the Teflon surface patterning is necessary in order to enhance its functionality as cell culture substrata. In this study, flat areas and depressed structures were created among the dense micro-protrusions by bubbles that were generated inside the sample using proton beam scanning. This modification will contribute to the fabrication of cell culture dishes with the advantages of micro-protrusions.