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Biomimetic Laser Processing Part II

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Optics and Lasers".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2021) | Viewed by 16209

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics, Hirosawa 2-1, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
Interests: laser processing; micro/nanofabrication; 3D fabrication; micro and nanofluidics; tailored beam processing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
1. CETAL, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, Magurele, 00175 Ilfov, Romania
2. RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
Interests: laser manufacturing; nanotechnologies; biochips; biomimetics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Laser processing of biomaterials at micro- and nano-scale are exclusive tools for fabricating scaffolds and microfluidic biosystems with unique properties and characteristics for tissue engineering, biomimetic delivery systems for local release, or lab-on-a-chip applications.

The emerging nanotechnologies based on laser processing of inorganic, organic, and composite materials and their assembling are herein presented. Laser irradiation conditions can be correlated with thermophysical properties of biomaterials in order to build new two-dimensional (2D) and 3D nanoscale structures with improved biological assets for tissue engineering and local release applications. Ultrashort pulsed lasers-based fabrication methods became controllable technologies for manufacturing microfluidic lab-on-a-chip devices with micro-scale dimensions and nano-scale features. The 3D material configurations and their surface modification offer material characteristics to be used as potential biomimetic environments for evaluation of specific cellular behaviors.

This Special Issue invites original contributions from authors in related areas of research, from surface structuring and functionalization using laser irradiation techniques to biomimetic 3D laser processing for biomedical applications such as reconstruction of tissue-like architecture, controlled release of active biomolecules, study of cell behavior in 3D configurations or even construction of 3D tissue/organ models.

Dr. Koji Sugioka
Dr. Felix Sima
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • Laser processing
  • Micro- and nanoscale biomaterials
  • Microfluidics
  • Coatings
  • Biomimetic architectures

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 3803 KiB  
Article
Picosecond Laser Processing of Photosensitive Glass for Generation of Biologically Relevant Microenvironments
by Florin Jipa, Stefana Orobeti, Cristian Butnaru, Marian Zamfirescu, Emanuel Axente, Felix Sima and Koji Sugioka
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(24), 8947; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10248947 - 15 Dec 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3498
Abstract
Various material processing techniques have been proposed for fabrication of smart surfaces that can modulate cellular behavior and address specific clinical issues. Among them, laser-based technologies have attracted growing interest due to processing versatility. Latest development of ultrashort pulse lasers with pulse widths [...] Read more.
Various material processing techniques have been proposed for fabrication of smart surfaces that can modulate cellular behavior and address specific clinical issues. Among them, laser-based technologies have attracted growing interest due to processing versatility. Latest development of ultrashort pulse lasers with pulse widths from several tens of femtoseconds (fs) to several picoseconds (ps) allows clean microfabrication of a variety of materials at micro- and nanoscale both at surface and in volume. In this study, we addressed the possibility of 3D microfabrication of photosensitive glass (PG) by high repetition rate ps laser-assisted etching (PLAE) to improve the fabrication efficiency for the development of useful tools to be used for specific biological applications. Microfluidic structures fabricated by PLAE should provide the flow aspects, 3D characteristics, and possibility of producing functional structures to achieve the biologically relevant microenvironments. Specifically, the microfluidic structures could induce cellular chemotaxis over extended periods in diffusion-based gradient media. More importantly, the 3D characteristics could reproduce capillaries for in vitro testing of relevant organ models. Single cell trapping and analysis by using the fabricated microfluidic structures are also essential for understanding individual cell behavior within the same population. To this end, this paper demonstrates: (1) generation of 3D structures in glass volume or on surface for fabrication of microfluidic channels, (2) subtractive 3D surface patterning to create patterned molds in a controlled manor for casting polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) structures and developing single cell microchambers, and (3) designing glass photo-masks to be used for sequel additive patterning of biocompatible nanomaterials with controlled shapes, sizes, and periodicity. Mesenchymal stem cells grown on laser-processed glass surfaces revealed no sign of cytotoxicity, while a collagen thin coating improved cellular adhesion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Laser Processing Part II)
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11 pages, 3697 KiB  
Article
Laser-Induced Forward Transfer with Optical Stamp of a Protein-Immobilized Calcium Phosphate Film Prepared by Biomimetic Process to a Human Dentin
by Aiko Narazaki, Ayako Oyane and Hirofumi Miyaji
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(22), 7984; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10227984 - 11 Nov 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2936
Abstract
The rapid and area-specific printing of calcium phosphate with superior biocompatibility and osteoconductivity is a useful technique for the surface functionalization of biomedical devices. We recently demonstrated the laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) of a brittle calcium phosphate film onto a soft and shock-absorbing [...] Read more.
The rapid and area-specific printing of calcium phosphate with superior biocompatibility and osteoconductivity is a useful technique for the surface functionalization of biomedical devices. We recently demonstrated the laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) of a brittle calcium phosphate film onto a soft and shock-absorbing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate. In this work, a new LIFT using an optically transparent PDMS-coated stamp, which we hereafter call LIFT with optical stamp (LIFTOP), was introduced to achieve the transfer of brittle films to harder substrates. Cell adhesion protein fibronectin-immobilized calcium phosphate films (Fn-CaP) were prepared on the optical stamp through a biomimetic process. Then, the irradiation of a single laser pulse transferred the Fn-CaP film from the optical stamp onto relatively hard substrates, polyethylene terephthalate and human dentin. As a result of this LIFTOP process, Fn-CaP microchips with a shape corresponding to the laser beam spot were printed on the substrates. Cross-sectional observation of the interface between the Fn-CaP microchip and the dentin substrate revealed good attachment between them without obvious gaps for the most part. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Laser Processing Part II)
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12 pages, 5102 KiB  
Article
Nanoparticle Deposition of Fluoropolymer CYTOP via Holographic Femtosecond Laser Processing and Its Biochip Application
by Ryo Ozaki, Kotaro Ishida, Eiji Morita and Yasutaka Hanada
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(20), 7243; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10207243 - 16 Oct 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2601
Abstract
The fundamental characteristics of nanoparticle (NP) deposition of the fluoropolymer CYTOP using a femtosecond (fs) laser were investigated. In previous studies, we have demonstrated the microfluidic fabrication of CYTOP, which enables clear microscopic observation of the fluid boundary because of its low refractive [...] Read more.
The fundamental characteristics of nanoparticle (NP) deposition of the fluoropolymer CYTOP using a femtosecond (fs) laser were investigated. In previous studies, we have demonstrated the microfluidic fabrication of CYTOP, which enables clear microscopic observation of the fluid boundary because of its low refractive index, as well as that of water. In the present work, we generated CYTOP NPs using holographic fs laser processing with a spatial light modulator to demonstrate the capabilities of this functional polymer. We established a deposition technique via five-dot parallel fs laser beam irradiation for fibrous network and monolayer structures composed of CYTOP NPs on the surface of glass slides by manipulating the various fundamental laser processing parameters. The network structure on the glass surface exhibits superhydrophobic behavior, while the monolayer structure performs almost the same wettability as that of CYTOP thin film. After an investigation of the surface features of the NPs deposited onto the glass, the combination of the holographic fs laser deposition and the removal of CYTOP NPs was used to selectively pattern CYTOP NPs on the glass slide for HeLa cell culturing. Consequently, cells were selectively cultured on the glass surface where the laser removal of deposited NPs was carried out. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Laser Processing Part II)
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12 pages, 2490 KiB  
Article
Influence of Laser-Designed Microstructure Density on Interface Characteristics and on Preliminary Responses of Epithelial Cells
by Anca Bonciu, Alixandra Wagner, Valentina Marascu, Antoniu Moldovan, Cerasela Zoica Dinu and Valentina Dinca
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(18), 6299; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10186299 - 10 Sep 2020
Viewed by 2050
Abstract
Current trends in designing medical and tissue engineering systems rely on the incorporation of micro- and nano-topographies for inducing a specific cellular response within the context of an aimed application. As such, dedicated studies have recently focused on understanding the possible effects of [...] Read more.
Current trends in designing medical and tissue engineering systems rely on the incorporation of micro- and nano-topographies for inducing a specific cellular response within the context of an aimed application. As such, dedicated studies have recently focused on understanding the possible effects of high and low density packed topographies on the behavior of epithelial cells, especially when considering their long-term viability and functionality. We proposed to use stair-like designed topographies with three different degrees of distribution, all created in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as active means to monitor cell behavior. Our model cellular system was human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B), a reference line in the quality control of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). PDMS microtextured substrates of 4 µm square unit topographies were created using a mold design implemented by a KrF Excimer laser. Varying the spacing between surface features and their multiscale level distribution led to irregular stairs/lines in low, medium and high densities, respectively. Profilometry, scanning electron and atomic force microscopy, contact angle and surface energy measurements were performed to evaluate the topographical and interface characteristics of the designed surfaces, while density-induced cellular effects were investigated using traditional cell-based assays. Our analysis showed that microstructure topographical distribution influences the adhesion profiles of epithelial cells. Our analysis hint that epithelial organoid formation might be initiated by the restriction of cell spreading and migration when using user-designed, controlled micro-topographies on engineered surfaces. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Laser Processing Part II)
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10 pages, 2837 KiB  
Article
Fabrication and Characterization of Biplasmonic Substrates Obtained by Picosecond Laser Pulses
by Andrei Stochioiu, Catalin Luculescu, Irina Alexandra Paun, Luiza-Izabela Jinga and Constantin Stochioiu
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(17), 5938; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10175938 - 27 Aug 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2160
Abstract
Bimetallic nanostructures have the potential to become the new generation candidates for applications in catalysis, electronics, optoelectronics, biosensors and also for surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). The bimetallic nanocrystals offer additional properties over the single metal components such as improved electromagnetic properties and corrosion [...] Read more.
Bimetallic nanostructures have the potential to become the new generation candidates for applications in catalysis, electronics, optoelectronics, biosensors and also for surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). The bimetallic nanocrystals offer additional properties over the single metal components such as improved electromagnetic properties and corrosion protection. This work presents a simple and inexpensive method to fabricate large area biplasmonic (bimetallic) substrates, employing DC magnetron sputtering, picosecond laser pulses and a digital galvanometric scanner. The aim of this study was to achieve large area homogeneous substrates while having a good and predictable signal amplification by SERS effect. Gold thin films with 200 nm thickness were deposited on optical polished substrates and then irradiated in atmospheric air with λ = 1064 nm wavelength laser pulses with 8 ps pulse duration and 500 kHz fixed repetition rate. Various laser fluences and laser irradiation speeds were employed in order to optimize the Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS) formed on the substrate. The results are presented comparatively for the standalone Cu substrates and for the Cu-Au substrates using Raman spectral analysis on a single signal peak of a Rhodamine 6G solution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Laser Processing Part II)
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13 pages, 3886 KiB  
Article
Formation of a Calcium Phosphate Layer with Immobilized Cobalt Chromite Nanoparticles on Cobalt−Chromium Alloy by a Laser-Assisted Biomimetic Process
by Ayako Oyane, Ikuko Sakamaki, Kenji Koga and Maki Nakamura
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(16), 5584; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10165584 - 12 Aug 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2269
Abstract
The biocompatibility and osteoconductivity of metallic biomaterials can be achieved by calcium phosphate (CaP) coating. We recently developed a laser-assisted biomimetic (LAB) process for rapid and area-specific CaP coating on several materials. In the present study, the LAB process was applied to cobalt–chromium [...] Read more.
The biocompatibility and osteoconductivity of metallic biomaterials can be achieved by calcium phosphate (CaP) coating. We recently developed a laser-assisted biomimetic (LAB) process for rapid and area-specific CaP coating on several materials. In the present study, the LAB process was applied to cobalt–chromium (Co−Cr) alloy, a metallic biomaterial widely used in orthopedic and dental applications. The LAB process was conducted by irradiation of unfocused pulsed laser light onto the substrate immersed in supersaturated CaP solution. The LAB-processed substrate formed CaP on the irradiated surface within only 5 min and was coated with a micron-thick CaP layer within 30 min by the effects of laser-induced surface modification and heating. Ultrastructural analysis with transmission electron microscopy revealed that the resultant CaP layer was integrated with the underlying substrate through two intermediate layers, an upper chromium oxide layer and a lower Co-rich (Cr-deficient) alloy layer. The CaP layer was loaded with a large number of cobalt chromite (CoCr2O4) nanoparticles. The results obtained offer new insights into the mechanism of CaP coating in the LAB process and future applications of LAB-processed Co−Cr alloys. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Laser Processing Part II)
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