Fabrication of wrinkled surfaces on polymer substrates by using ion implantation

To create various wrinkles on the surfaces of polymer materials, we utilized a conventional beam-line-type ion implanter and a focused ion beam system. Surface wrinkles that had submicron-scale dimensions were produced for various ion doses, acceleration voltages and fabrication methods of the polymer substrate. We also obtained various wrinkle patterns, such as straight, herringbone and hierarchical structures. We expect wrinkled polymer substrates to be applied to bio-engineering because surface morphology is a key parameter for cell growth. Compared to non-treated polymer substrates, ion-implanted wrinkled ones had enhanced biocompatibility, resulting in increased cell adhesion and growth.