2D printing of functional wrinkled films by DOD technology: Evaluation of cytocompatibility, antibacterial and virucidal properties against corona virus model

Abstract

Wrinkled polymeric films fabricated via Drop-on-Demand (DOD) inkjet printing offer a significant advancement in biomedical applications, combining antibacterial, virucidal, and cytocompatible properties (multifunctional biomaterials). This scalable and cost-effective method enables precise deposition of polymeric materials, creating customizable micro-wrinkled surfaces with high spatial resolution. The ability to deposit multiple materials simultaneously supports the development of gradient or multifunctional coatings tailored for biomedical needs. Functional monomer-based inks with a crosslinking agent were applied onto UV-ozonized polycarbonate substrates, enhancing hydrophilicity for uniform material deposition. Controlled UV exposure, vacuum drying, and plasma treatments produced homogeneous wrinkled patterns, which can be adapted for infection control and tissue engineering. Chemical analyses confirmed the polymerization and structural integrity of the films, while rheological studies validated the inks' printability without satellite droplet formation. Biological evaluations revealed strong antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and complete inactivation of HCoV-229E, a human coronavirus model, in DMAEMA-based samples. Samples containing AAc and HEMA reduced infected cells by ∼80 %; however, no significant differences were identified between smooth and wrinkled samples regarding virucidal capacity. These films also demonstrated robust cytocompatibility, making them a cost-effective, multifunctional solution for critical healthcare challenges. This represents one of the few materials that selectively combine antibacterial and virucidal properties while supporting cell proliferation, offering immense potential for advanced biomedical devices.