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 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.
Highlights
Laser processing technologies make it possible to microfabricate a variety of materials without using vacuum and the harmful chemicals required for photolithography
Such a crack formation was not obvious when the Fn-Calcium phosphate (CaP)/C/PDMS/polyethylene terephthalate (PET) samples were air-dried only. Such a crack formation was not obvious when the Fn-immobilized CaP (Fn-CaP)/C/PDMS/PET samples were air-dried at room temperature
We developed a novel laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) process using the PDMS-coated transparent support, which we call LIFT with optical stamp (LIFTOP), in order to transfer brittle materials even onto hard receiver substrates without fractures
Summary
Laser processing technologies make it possible to microfabricate a variety of materials without using vacuum and the harmful chemicals required for photolithography. Various methods of CaP coatings, such as plasma spray, pulsed laser deposition, and biomimetic processes [27,28,29], have been developed to improve biocompatibility and osteoconductivity of medical devices. Among these CaP coating techniques, biomimetic processes are useful to produce multifunctional CaP coatings combined with biofunctional substances, such as proteins, since they are conducted under mild pseudo-physiological conditions [30]. Successful printing of the Fn-CaP microchips with a shape corresponding to a laser spot was demonstrated onto relatively hard receiver substrates, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and human dentin, via the LIFTOP process. A cross-sectional interface between the Fn-CaP microchip and dentin was observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), revealing a good attachment without obvious gaps
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
