Processing of mussel-adhesive protein analog copolymer thin films by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation

We have demonstrated the successful thin film growth of a mussel-adhesive protein analog, DOPA-modified PEO-PPO-PEO block copolymer PF127, using matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE). The MAPLE-deposited thin films were examined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and contact-angle measurements. We have found that the main functional groups of the mussel-adhesive protein analog are present in the transferred film. These adhesive materials have several potential electronic, medical, and marine applications.