Modulating the wettability characteristics and bioactivity of polymeric materials using laser surface treatment

Abstract

It has been thoroughly demonstrated previously that lasers hold the ability to modulate surface properties of materials with the result being utilization of such lasers in both research and industry. What is more, these laser surface treatments have been shown to affect the adhesion characteristics and bio-functionality of those materials. This paper details the use of a Synrad CO2 laser marking system to surface treat nylon 6,6 and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The laser-modified surfaces were analyzed using 3D surface profilometry to ascertain an increase in surface roughness when compared to the as-received samples. The wettability characteristics were determined using the sessile drop method and showed variations in contact angle for both the nylon 6,6 and PTFE. For the PTFE it was shown that the laser surface treatment gave rise to a more hydrophobic surface with contact angles of up to 150° being achieved. For the nylon 6,6, it was observed that the contact angle was modulated approximately ±10° for different samples which could be attributed to a likely mixed state wetting regime. The effects of the laser surface treatment on osteoblast cell and stem cell growth is discussed showing an overall enhancement of biomimetic properties, especially for the nylon 6,6. This work investigates the potential governing parameters which drives the wettability/adhesion characteristics and bioactivity of the laser surface treated polymeric materials.

Mouse embryonic fibroblasts accumulate differentially on titanium surfaces treated with nanosecond laser pulses

“…Having a layer of titanium across the surface provides a cushion-type template for the cells to attach to upon the surface, and therefore may result in a higher cell adhesion across the treated surface of the titanium. [20][21][22] As expected, EDX analysis shows that the highest oxidation levels are present in the samples treated at 25 kHz (Fig. 8).…”

Laser Surface Texturing of Polymers for Biomedical Applications

“…This was attributed to the oxidation of the surface. On the other hand, Waugh et al [68] evaluated the biological performance of PMMA samples textured with IR laser radiation (λ = 10,600 nm). An increase in the surface roughness is observed with the laser power, and the distance between textured grooves.…”

Recent advances in femtosecond laser-structured Janus membranes with asymmetric surface wettability

“…In comparison with other methods, the technology shows excellent potential due to its various benefits, such as non-pollution, simplicity, high precision and relative rapidity. [152][153][154][155][156][157][158][159][160][161][162][163][164][165][166][167][168][169][170] However, some stubborn problems originating from this technology and the membrane itself still persist. From the perspective of femtosecond laser microfabrication technology, the products prepared via a femtosecond laser are always unstable, e.g., the surface wettability induced by a femtosecond laser may change over a period of time.…”