Investigating Potential Effects of Ultra-Short Laser-Textured Porous Poly-ε-Caprolactone Scaffolds on Bacterial Adhesion and Bone Cell Metabolism

Abstract

Developing antimicrobial surfaces that combat implant-associated infections while promoting host cell response is a key strategy for improving current therapies for orthopaedic injuries. In this paper, we present the application of ultra-short laser irradiation for patterning the surface of a 3D biodegradable synthetic polymer in order to affect the adhesion and proliferation of bone cells and reject bacterial cells. The surfaces of 3D-printed polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds were processed with a femtosecond laser (λ = 800 nm; τ = 130 fs) for the production of patterns resembling microchannels or microprotrusions. MG63 osteoblastic cells, as well as S. aureus and E. coli, were cultured on fs-laser-treated samples. Their attachment, proliferation, and metabolic activity were monitored via colorimetric assays and scanning electron microscopy. The microchannels improved the wettability, stimulating the attachment, spreading, and proliferation of osteoblastic cells. The same topography induced cell-pattern orientation and promoted the expression of alkaline phosphatase in cells growing in an osteogenic medium. The microchannels exerted an inhibitory effect on S. aureus as after 48 h cells appeared shrunk and disrupted. In comparison, E. coli formed an abundant biofilm over both the laser-treated and control samples; however, the film was dense and adhesive on the control PCL but unattached over the microchannels.

Microfluidic Spinning of Metal–Organic Framework-Loaded Nanofibers toward High-Efficient Particulate Matter Removal and Antibacterial Filters

“…Notably, the PCL/ZIF-8@CCM shows a lower inhibition rate, which might be attributed to the bacterial adsorption and nonantibacterial feature of pure PCL. 57,58 These results indicate that the loading of ZIF-8@CCM endows the fiber membranes with a higher antibacterial activity. With both excellent PM removal performances and antibacterial activity, the ZIF-8@CCM-loaded fiber membrane provides an ideal fibrous filter.…”

Construction of antibacterial bone implants and their application in bone regeneration

“…Filipov et al used a femtosecond laser to surface 3D printed PCL to produce microchannels and microprojections on the surface of the implant. 99 The microtopography had a good antibacterial effect on S. aureus while promoting the growth of MG63 cells. Chan et al performed laser surface treatment on three commonly used orthopedic metal materials using a fiber laser at the NIR wavelength of 1064 nm.…”

Surface functionalization of 3D printed poly-ε-caprolactone by ultrashort laser mirostructuring and ZnO nanolayer deposition

“…No thermally-induced collateral damage could be observed. In previous research of our group, Filipov et al developed microstructures of similar morphology and dimensions on 3D printed PCL and investigated their effects on the adhesion of osteoblastic-like cells [10]. The authors found that the cells adhered preferably to the structured surfaces and not on untreated smooth scaffolds.…”