Open AccessFemtosecond laser induced periodic surface structure on poly-L-lactic acid
Author(s) -
Shuhei Yada,
Mitsuhiro Terakawa
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.23.005694
Subject(s) - materials science , femtosecond , laser , polymer , irradiation , fabrication , nanostructure , chemical engineering , nanotechnology , optics , composite material , medicine , physics , alternative medicine , engineering , pathology , nuclear physics
Laser-induced periodic surface structure (LIPSS) is one of the most remarkable nanostructures formed only by a simple procedure of laser irradiation that enables to control cell behaviors. To the best of our knowledge, however, LIPSS formation on a scaffold-usable biodegradable polymer had not been succeede d probably due to relatively-low glass transition temperature and melting temperature of such polymers. In this study, we demonstrate LIPSS formation on a poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a versatile biodegradable polymer which has been widely used in clinical practice. Experimental results revealed that the repetition rate of femtosecond laser is one of the key parameters for LIPSS formation on PLLA, suggesting that thermal properties and photochemical reactions should be considered. The present study expands the potential of femtosecond laser processing for fabrication of highly-biocompatible scaffold in tissue engineering.