Atomic layer deposition processes : versatile platforms for engineering ZnO‐chitosan biointerfaces

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Moreno, Mabel and Devi, Anjana and Zanders, David and Arredondo, Miryam and Mariotti, Davide and McGlynn, Ruairi and Devis, Sindy and Guerrero, Simón and Benavente, Eglantina and Alegría, Matias and Olguin, Yusser and Lobos‐Gonzalez, Lorena and Guzmán, Kevin and Rivas‐Yañez, Elizabeth and Solar, Paula and Cepus, Valentin and Krause, Michael and Velásquez, Luis (2026) Atomic layer deposition processes : versatile platforms for engineering ZnO‐chitosan biointerfaces. Advanced Healthcare Materials, 15 (26). e71329. ISSN 2192-2659 (https://doi.org/10.1002/adhm.71329)

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Abstract

This study explores zinc-functionalized chitosan (CS) for engineering bio-multifunctional interfaces via three atomic-scale techniques: vapor phase metalation (VPM), multiple pulsed vapor phase infiltration (MPI), and O2 plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with integrated energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) elemental mapping confirmed homogeneous Zn distribution in all regimes, while AFM revealed a topographical transition from planarization in VPM (Rq = 5.6 nm) to high-surface-area nucleation in MPI (Rq = 123.9 nm). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis demonstrated structural reconfiguration, with VPM reducing the hydrated phase crystallite size (7.4 to 4.6 nm) and MPI achieving the finest nanocrystallinity (1.83 nm). Notably, PEALD-modified interfaces exhibited the highest interfacial energy (0.102 J/m2) and enhanced swelling. Physicochemical characterization showed the functionalization method dictates semiconductor properties, while biological assays revealed C2C12 cell proliferation comparable to the control, along with tailored antiseptic activity against E. coli and H. pylori. Significantly, in vivo subcutaneous implantation revealed that CS-ZnO PEALD scaffolds act as immunomodulatory interfaces, promoting active angiogenesis and a balanced immune response with stable anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels and near-basal pro-inflammatory expression (IL-6 = 0.5 pg/mL). These findings highlight the versatility of ALD-based processes for next-generation intelligent medical implants and bio-integrated electronics.

ORCID iDs

Moreno, Mabel, Devi, Anjana, Zanders, David, Arredondo, Miryam, Mariotti, Davide ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1504-4383, McGlynn, Ruairi, Devis, Sindy, Guerrero, Simón, Benavente, Eglantina, Alegría, Matias, Olguin, Yusser, Lobos‐Gonzalez, Lorena, Guzmán, Kevin, Rivas‐Yañez, Elizabeth, Solar, Paula, Cepus, Valentin, Krause, Michael and Velásquez, Luis;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)