Open AccessScaffolds in a shell–a new approach combining one-photon and two-photon polymerization
Author(s) -
Anika Trautmann,
Babette Götzendorfer,
Thomas Walther,
Ralf Hellmann
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.26.029659
Subject(s) - microscale chemistry , polymerization , materials science , photon , two photon excitation microscopy , shell (structure) , laser , substrate (aquarium) , optoelectronics , optics , nanotechnology , composite material , physics , polymer , fluorescence , oceanography , mathematics education , mathematics , geology
We report on a laser system combining one-photon and two-photon polymerization for precise and fast fabrication of macroscopic three-dimensional structures featuring microscale and nanoscale characteristics. This single-stage process significantly reduces the production time as demonstrated by scaffolds in a shell application. Porous scaffolds with different pore sizes are surrounded by a ring so that cells can be seeded directly to the scaffolds kept in a shell and do not spread over the whole substrate expecting a saving of cell suspension, faster growth on the scaffolds, and a more controllable environment. Compared to a two-photon polymerization process, the ring is fabricated about 500 times faster using one-photon polymerization. The presented hybrid process qualifies for further applications illustrated by a fluidic system.