Femtosecond laser structuring of permeable and resorbable biomaterial

Abstract

Abstract Bioresorbable nanofiber nonwovens with their fascinating properties provide a wide range of potential biomedical applications. Modification of the material enables the adjustment of mechanical and biological characteristics depending on the desired application. Due to the nanosized fiber network, post-production structuring is very challenging. Within this study, we use femtosecond laser technology for structuring permeable and resorbable electrospun poly-L-lactide (PLLA) membranes. We show that this post-production process can be used without disturbing the fiber network near the structured areas. Furthermore, the modification of the water permeability and mechanical characteristics due to the laser structuring was investigated. The results prove femtosecond laser technology to be a promising method for the adjustment of the membrane properties and which in consequence can help to optimize cell adhesion, enable revascularization and open up applications of nanofiber membranes in personalized medicine.