Micro-patterned biological interfaces manufactured by diamond turning with CVD diamond micro-tools

The generation of microstructured interfaces which enhance cell adhesion and proliferation is of great interest in bioremediation, i.e. in all those applications where biological reactions result in the destruction of contaminants. Diamond turning has been implemented for the manufacture of microstructures, taking advantage of bespoke CVD diamond micro-tools in which the edge profile was successfully modified using a combined laser/FIB machining strategy. The CVD micro-tools show good cutting performance in terms of the achievable cutting volume and repeatability of the fabricatedmicrostructure

Sinusoidal CVD diamond micro-tools for the manufacture of micro-structured surfaces used in bioremediation

FIB technology showed great potential in the fabrication of complex shapes in precision microtools made of CVD polycrystalline diamond. This is a hardwearing tool material but otherwise difficult to be ground and shaped into precision cutting tools. A sinusoidal shape was successfully produced and replicated onto aluminium substrates via a \u201cplunging\u201d single point diamond turning process. The incubation of the aluminium samples confirm that microstructured surfaces have the potential to act as directors for the formation of biofilms of Bacillus sp. on metal surfaces. In particular: - Microstructured surfaces show a preferential cell adhesion compared to planar surfaces with optical finish - Sinusoidal grooves show higher potential than trapezoidal grooves for cells attachment and biofilm growth - The Sdr parameter is a good indicator for the available surface area, thus quantifying the potential for bacterial adhesion Further work is currently ongoing to investigate the role of the material composition and mechanical properties (stiffness) in the biofilm formation in conjunction with the quantification of biofilm formed on different microstructured surfaces