Matrix-assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation Technique Research Articles

Surface pre-treatment of aluminum alloy for mechanical improvement of adhesive bonding by maple-assisted pulsed laser evaporation technique.

Adhesive joints are widely used for structural bonding in various industrial sectors. The performance of bonded joints is commonly attributed to the cleanliness of the substrate and the pre-treatment of the surfaces to be bonded. In this study, the Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE) deposition technique was used for surface modification of aluminum (Al) plates by the deposition of poly(propylene glycol) bis(2-aminopropyl ether) (PPG-NH2) of different number average molecular weights (Mn) of 400 g mol-1, 2000 g mol-1, and 4000 g mol-1, respectively. Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis indicated the characteristic peaks for the deposited layers of PPG-NH2 of different molecular weights in all cases while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed continuous layers on the surface of Al plates. In order to demonstrate alterations in the wettability of Al substrates, a crucial aspect in surface treatment and adhesive bonding, measurements of contact angles, surface free energies (SFE), and adhesion work (W a) were conducted. The tensile strength measurements were performed using the lap-joint test after applying the commercial silyl-based polymer adhesive Bison Max Repair Extreme Adhesive®. It was evidenced that at higher values of the SFE and W a, the tensile strength was almost 3 times higher for PPG-NH2 with Mn = 4000 g mol-1 compared with the untreated Al sample. This study provides valuable insights into the successful application of the MAPLE technique as a pre-treatment method for reinforcing adhesive bonding of Al plates, which can lead to improved mechanical performance in various industrial applications.

Biological and Physicochemical Analysis of Sr-Doped Hydroxyapatite/Chitosan Composite Layers.

In this work results are presented on the evaluation of HAp, HApSr, HAp_CS, and HApSr_CS layers deposited on Ti substrates regarding L929 cell viability and cytotoxicity as well as antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, in connection with their physicochemical properties. The HAp and HApSr layers generated by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering technique were further covered with chitosan by a matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation technique. During the plasma depositions, the Ti substrates were heated externally by a home-made oven above 100 °C. The HApSr_CS layers generated on the unpolished Ti substrates at 100 °C and 400 °C showed the highest biocompatibility properties and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The morphology of the layer surfaces, revealed by scanning electron microscopy, is dependent on substrate temperature and substrate surface roughness. The optically polished surfaces of Ti substrates revealed grain-like and microchannel structure morphologies of the layers deposited at 25 °C substrate temperature and 400 °C, respectively. Chitosan has no major influence on HAp and HApSr layer surface morphologies. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated the presence of Ca 2p3/2 peak characteristic of the HAp structure even in the case of the HApSr_CS samples generated at a 400 °C substrate temperature. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy investigations showed shifts in the wavenumber positions of the P-O absorption bands as a function of Sr or chitosan presence in the HAp layers generated at 25, 100, and 400 °C substrate temperatures.

Spectral Analysis of Strontium-Doped Calcium Phosphate/Chitosan Composite Films.

Strontium-doped calcium phosphate/chitosan films were synthetized on silicon substrates using the radio-frequency magnetron sputtering technique and the matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation technique. The deposition conditions associated with the radio-frequency magnetron sputtering discharge, in particular, include the high temperature at the substrate, which promotes the formation of strontium-doped tetra calcium phosphate layers. The physical and chemical processes associated with the deposition of chitosan on strontium-doped calcium phosphate layers were investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Mass spectrometry coupled with laser induced ablation of the composite films proved to be a useful tool in the detection of the molecular ions characteristic to chitosan chemical structure.

Colloidal TiO2 Nanorod Films Deposited Using the MAPLE Technique: Role of the Organic Capping and Absence of Characteristic Surface Patterns

Thin films of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanocrystals, widely acknowledged for their unique physical-chemical properties and functionalities, are used in disparate technological fields, including photovoltaics, sensing, environmental remediation and energy storage. In this paper, the preparation of thin films consisting of anatase-phase TiO2 nanorods deposited using the matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique and their characterization in terms of morphology, elemental composition and wettability are presented and discussed. Particular attention is paid to the effects of the laser fluence, varied over a broad range (F = 25, 50, 100 mJ/cm2), and to the role of the capping surfactants bound to the surface of the nanorod precursors. Whereas increasing fluence favored a partial removal of the surface-bound surfactants, a post-growth UV-light-driven photocatalytic treatment of the films was found to be necessary to reduce the incorporated fraction of organics to a further substantial extent. It was noteworthy that, under our experimental conditions, the distinctive surface patterns and roughness that commonly degrade the morphology of films deposited using the MAPLE technique were not observable. This previously unreported experimental evidence was rationalized on the basis of the interaction dynamics between solvent/solute droplets ejected from the laser-irradiated target and the rough surfaces of the growing film.

Surface Modification Using MAPLE Technique for Improving the Mechanical Performance of Adhesive Joints

The adhesive bonds that ensure the appropriate mechanical properties for metal joining imply the surface chemical and wetting modification characteristics of the substrates. In this work, matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) was used for the surface modification of Al via the deposition of two chemical compounds, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and triethanolamine (TEA), from frozen aqueous solutions. The deposition of the TEA and PVA layers was evidenced by FT-IR, SEM, and AFM analysis. The contact angle measurements evidenced the change in the hydrophilicity of the surface and surface free energies. The performance of the commercial silyl-based polymer adhesive Bison Max Repair Extreme Adhesive® was evaluated by tensile strength measurements. This method led to a change in tensile strength of 54.22% in the case of Al-TEA and 36.34% for Al-PVA compared with the control. This study gives preliminary insights into using MAPLE, for the first time in adhesive applications, as a pretreatment method for Al plates for adhesive bonding reinforcement.

Calcium Phosphates-Chitosan Composite Layers Obtained by Combining Radio-Frequency Magnetron Sputtering and Matrix-Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation Techniques.

In this work, we report the synthesis of calcium phosphate-chitosan composite layers. Calcium phosphate layers were deposited on titanium substrates by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering technique by varying the substrate temperature from room temperature (25 °C) up to 100 and 300 °C. Further, chitosan was deposited by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation technique on the calcium phosphate layers. The temperature at the substrate during the deposition process of calcium phosphate layers plays an important role in the embedding of chitosan, as scanning electron microscopy analysis showed. The degree of chitosan incorporation into the calcium phosphate layers significantly influence the physico-chemical properties and the adherence strength of the resulted layers to the substrates. For example, the decreases of Ca/P ratio at the addition of chitosan suggests that a calcium deficient hydroxyapatite structure is formed when the CaP layers are generated on Ti substrates kept at room temperature during the deposition process. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis of the samples suggest that the PO43-/CO32- substitution is possible. The X-ray diffraction spectra indicated that the crystalline structure of the calcium phosphate layers obtained at the 300 °C substrate temperature is disturbed by the addition of chitosan. The adherence strength of the composite layers to the titanium substrates is diminished after the chitosan deposition. However, no complete exfoliation of the layers was observed.

A Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor Based on Directly Immobilized Hemoglobin and Myoglobin.

Immobilization of proteins on a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) transducer is a delicate procedure since loss of protein bioactivity can occur upon contact with the untreated metal surface. Solution to the problem is the use of an immobilization matrix having a complex structure. However, this is at the expense of biosensor selectivity and sensitivity. It has been shown that the matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) method has been successfully applied for direct immobilization (without a built-in matrix) of proteins, preserving their bioactivity. So far, MAPLE deposition has not been performed on a gold surface as required for SPR biosensors. In this paper we study the impact of direct immobilization of heme proteins (hemoglobin (Hb) and myoglobin (Mb)) on their bioactivity. For the purpose, Hb and Mb were directly immobilized by MAPLE technique on a SPR transducer. The bioactivity of the ligands immobilized in the above-mentioned way was assessed by SPR registration of the molecular reactions of various Hb/Mb functional groups. By SPR we studied the reaction between the beta chain of the Hb molecule and glucose, which shows the structural integrity of the immobilized Hb. A supplementary study of films deposited by FTIR and AFM was provided. The experimental facts showed that direct immobilization of an intact molecule was achieved.

Nanostructured Thin Coatings Containing Anthriscus sylvestris Extract with Dual Bioactivity.

Plant extracts are highly valuable pharmaceutical complexes recognized for their biological properties, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, their use is limited by their low water solubility and physicochemical stability. In order to overcome these limitations, we aimed to develop nanostructured carriers as delivery systems for plant extracts; in particular, we selected the extract of Anthriscus sylvestris (AN) on the basis of its antimicrobial effect and antitumor activity. In this study, AN-extract-functionalized magnetite (Fe3O4@AN) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by the co-precipitation method. The purpose of this study was to synthesize and investigate the physicochemical and biological features of composite coatings based on Fe3O4@AN NPs obtained by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation technique. In this respect, laser fluence and drop-casting studies on coatings were performed. The physical and chemical properties of laser-synthesized coatings were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy comparative analysis was used for determining the chemical structure and functional integrity. Relevant data regarding the presence of magnetic nanoparticles as the only crystalline phase and the size of nanoparticles were obtained by transmission electron microscopy. The in vitro toxicity assessment of the Fe3O4@AN showed significant cytotoxic activity against human adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells after prolonged exposure. Antimicrobial results demonstrated that Fe3O4@AN coatings inhibit microbial colonization and biofilm formation in clinically relevant bacteria species and yeasts. Such coatings are useful, natural, and multifunctional solutions for the development of tailored medical devices and surfaces.

Evaluation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Osteoblasts’ Adhesion and Proliferation in the Presence of HA-AL Biomaterials

There is an increased interest in developing biocomposite implants with high biocompatibility in order to be used as grafts or prostheses in orthopedic surgery. The purpose of the study was to determine the biocompatibility of titanium implants coated with synthesized hydroxyapatite-alendronate composites. The implants were obtained using Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation technique (MAPLE). The hydroxyapatite-alendronate composites were synthesized using the wet precipitation method. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that composites support mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) adhesion. Bone cells as well as human MSCs adhere to hydroxyapatite (HA)-based thin films obtained by matrix assisted laser deposition onto titanium. Alendronate doping into the films increased the number of cell-biomaterial focal points as compared to HA only. Thus, the synthesis of hydroxyapatite-alendronate composite (HA-AL) may be considered a viable solution for including the bisphosphonate on the surface of metallic prosthetic components used in orthopedics.

Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Response to Lactoferrin-based Composite Coatings.

The potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for implantology and cell-based therapy represents one of the major ongoing research subjects within the last decades. In bone regeneration applications, the various environmental factors including bioactive compounds such as growth factors, chemicals and physical characteristics of biointerfaces are the key factors in controlling and regulating osteogenic differentiation from MSCs. In our study, we have investigated the influence of Lactoferrin (Lf) and Hydroxyapatite (HA) embedded within a biodegradable PEG-PCL copolymer on the osteogenic fate of MSCs, previous studies revealing an anti-inflammatory potential of the coating and osteogenic differentiation of murine pre-osteoblast cells. The copolymer matrix was obtained by the Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation technique (MAPLE) and the composite layers containing the bioactive compounds (Lf, HA, and Lf-HA) were characterised by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy contact angle and surface energy of the analysed coatings were also measured. The characteristics of the composite surfaces were correlated with the viability, proliferation, and morphology of human MSCs (hMSCs) cultured on the developed coatings. All surfaces were found not to exhibit toxicity, as confirmed by the LIVE/DEAD assay. The Lf-HA composite exhibited an increase in osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs, results supported by alkaline phosphatase and mineralisation assays. This is the first report of the capacity of biodegradable composite layers containing Lf to induce osteogenic differentiation from hMSCs, a property revealing its potential for application in bone regeneration.

Successful Release of Voriconazole and Flavonoids from MAPLE Deposited Bioactive Surfaces

We explored the potential of biomimetic thin films fabricated by means of matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) for releasing combinations of active substances represented by flavonoids (quercetin dihydrate and resveratrol) and antifungal compounds (amphotericin B and voriconazole) embedded in a polyvinylpyrrolidone biopolymer; the antifungal activity of the film components was evaluated using in vitro microbiological assays. Thin films were deposited using a pulsed KrF* excimer laser source which were structurally characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). High-quality thin films with chemical structures similar to dropcast ones were created using an optimum laser fluence of ~80 mJ/cm2. Bioactive substances were included within the polymer thin films using the MAPLE technique. The results of the in vitro microbiology assay, which utilized a modified disk diffusion approach and were performed using two fungal strains (Candida albicans American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 90028 and Candida parapsilosis American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 22019), revealed that voriconazole was released in an active form from the polyvinylpyrrolidone matrix. The results of this study show that the MAPLE-deposited bioactive thin films have a promising potential for use in designing combination devices, such as drug delivery devices, and medical device surfaces with antifungal activity.

Deposition of YBCO nanoparticles on graphene nanosheets by using matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation

Matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) process demonstrates a versatile and contamination free deposition. Compared to conventional laser ablation deposition, MAPLE technique can realize the retention of the properties and structures of deposited biomaterials and hybrid nanocomposites without damaging the backbone of organic macromolecules. Here, MAPLE process is applied to deposit yttrium barium copper oxide (YBCO) superconductor particles on graphene sheets. The microstructures and elemental composition of YBCO nanoparticle deposited on graphene sheet by the MAPLE process were studied as a function of the irradiation time (t). The amount of YBCO nanoparticles deposited on graphene is increased with increasing t. The average particle size of the spherical YBCO nanoparticles deposited on graphene sheets is decreased from 70 ± 25 nm to 50 ± 15 nm when t increases from 0.5 h to 2.0 h. This study demonstrates that MAPLE is a suitable process for depositing superconductor nanoparticles on graphene sheets.

Organic/hybrid thin films deposited by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE)

Some of the most exciting materials research in the 21st century attempts to resolve the challenge of simulating, synthesizing, and characterizing new materials with unique properties designed from first principles. Achievements in such development for organic and organic-inorganic hybrid materials make them important options for electronic and/or photonic devices because they can impart multi-functionality, flexibility, transparency, and sustainability to emerging systems, such as wearable electronics. Functional organic materials include small molecules, oligomers, and polymers, while hybrid materials include inorganic nanomaterials (such as zero-dimensional quantum dots, one-dimensional carbon nanotubes, or two-dimensional nanosheets) combined with organic matrices. A critically important step to implementing new electronic and photonic devices using such materials is the processing of thin films. While solution-based processing is the most common laboratory technique for organic and hybrid materials, vacuum-based deposition has been critical to the commercialization of organic light emitting diodes based on small molecules, for example. Therefore, it is desirable to explore vacuum-based deposition of organic and hybrid materials that include larger macromolecules, such as polymers. This review article motivates the need for physical vapor deposition of polymeric and hybrid thin films using matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE), which is a type of pulsed laser deposition. This review describes the development of variations in the MAPLE technique, discusses the current understanding of laser-target interactions and growth mechanisms for different MAPLE variations, surveys demonstrations of MAPLE-deposited organic and hybrid materials for electronic and photonic devices, and provides a future outlook for the technique.

Thermokinetic study of CODA azoic liquid crystal and thin films deposition by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation

Azoic dyes are compounds of interest from the point of view of their potential applications, such as the use of liquid crystals in optoelectronic and organic electroluminescent devices, or may be employed as template matrices for producing high-aspect ratio inorganic nanomaterials. Herein, 4-[(4-chlorobenzyl)oxy]-3,4′-dichloroazobenzene azoic dye, known as CODA, is selected as a choice compound among such materials due to its liquid crystalline properties and may be further used as nanostructured material in various applications. Thermokinetic study of CODA azoic dye thermal decomposition in air flow atmosphere was performed by employing thermogravimetric data; the kinetic parameters of the two decomposition steps were obtained under non-isothermal linear regimes, by means of multi-heating rates methods. Differential and integral “model-free” kinetic methods like Friedmann, Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose and Ortega, the invariant kinetic parameters method and the Perez-Maqueda et al. criterion (by Coats–Redfern and differential equations) were used. The kinetic study reveals very different behaviour related to the two decomposition steps of CODA, with complex processes composed of more than one kinetic mechanism for each of those, as indicated also by the Gotor et al. master plot method. Modern devices incorporating such materials tend to use them as thin films due to their specific properties; the CODA thin films were deposited on silicon substrates by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation technique, using a Nd:YAG laser working at the wavelength of 266 nm. The preservation of the CODA compound after the transfer on the substrates was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, while the morphology and topography of the deposited materials and of the thin film surfaces were investigated by atomic force microscopy and optical microscopy.

Biocompatible cephalosporin-hydroxyapatite-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-coatings fabricated by MAPLE technique for the prevention of bone implant associated infections

In this study we aimed to obtain functionalized thin films based on hydroxyapatite/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (HAp/PLGA) containing ceftriaxone/cefuroxime antibiotics (ATBs) deposited by Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE) technique. The prepared thin films were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and infra red (IR) analysis. HAp/PLGA/ATBs thin films sustained the growth of human osteoblasts, proving their good biocompatibility. The microscopic evaluation and the culture-based quantitative assay of the E. coli biofilm development showed that the thin films inhibited the initial step of microbial attachment as well as the subsequent colonization and biofilm development on the respective surfaces. This study demonstrates that MAPLE technique could represent an appealing technique for the fabrication of antibiotics-containing polymeric implant coatings. The bioevaluation results recommend this type of surfaces for the prevention of bone implant microbial contamination and for the enhanced stimulation of the implant osseointegration process.

Thin coatings based on ZnO@C18-usnic acid nanoparticles prepared by MAPLE inhibit the development of Salmonella enterica early biofilm growth

The aim of this study was to develop a nanostructured bioactive surface based on zinc oxide, sodium stearate (C18) and usnic acid (UA) exhibiting harmless effects with respect to the human cells, but with a significant antimicrobial effect, limiting the attachment and biofilm formation of food pathogens. ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by sol–gel method and functionalized with C18 and UA. The coatings were fabricated by matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation technique (MAPLE) and further characterized by TEM, SEM, SAED, XRD and IRM. The biological characterization of the prepared coatings consisted in cytotoxicity and antimicrobial assays. The cytotoxicity of ZnO@C18 and ZnO@C18-UA films was evaluated with respect to the human skin fibroblasts (CCD 1070SK cell line) by phase contrast microscopy, MTT assay and nitric oxide (NO) release. The covered surfaces exhibited a decreased cell attachment, effect which was more pronounced in the presence of UA as shown by purple formazan staining of adhered cells. The unattached fibroblasts remained viable after 24h in the culture media as it was revealed by their morphology analysis and NO level which were similar to uncovered slides. The quantitative microbiological assays results have demonstrated that the bioactive coatings have significantly inhibited the adherence and biofilm formation of Salmonella enterica. The obtained results recommend these materials as efficient approaches in developing anti-adherent coatings for various industrial, medical and food processing applications.

M-DOPA addition in MAPLE immobilization of lipase for biosensor applications

Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE) is a thin film deposition technique which uses a pulsed laser beam impinging, inside a high vacuum chamber, on a frozen target containing the guest molecules in a volatile matrix to induce fast “evaporation” of the matrix, and ejection of the guest molecules. Lipase, an enzyme acting as a catalyst in hydrolysis of lipids, is widely used in biosensors for detection of triglycerides in blood serum. A key action to this purpose is lipase immobilization on a substrate. In a recent paper, we have shown that MAPLE technique is able to deposit lipase on a substrate in an active form. Here we show that addition to the guest/matrix target of a small amount of m-DOPA (3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-methyl-l-alanine) in order to improve adhesion and protect lipase secondary structure, also allows the lowering the laser pulse energy required for matrix evaporation and therefore the risk of damaging the enzyme.

Pulsed laser processing of poly(3,3‴-didodecyl quarter thiophene) semiconductor for organic thin film transistors

We report on the growth of thin solid layers of poly(3,3‴ didodecyl quater thiophene) (PQT-12) by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE), on silicon and quartz substrates. The effects of PQT-12 solubilization in toluene, anisole, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, and a mixture of chlorobenzene and 1,2-dichlorobenzene, are discussed with respect to the MAPLE technique. Different film thicknesses have been grown, and their morphology and optical properties are presented. Thermal analysis studies have been realized to understand and explain the laser-induced photo-thermal effects on the organic semiconductor. Subsequently, micrometric-sized pixels of PQT-12 have been printed by laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT), with the goal to fabricate organic thin-film transistors (OTFT) devices. The influence of the donor films thickness and morphology, in LIFT experiments, is discussed. Electrical characterizations supplement this study, the resulting printed transistors are fully functional and provide field-effect mobility up to 5×10−3cm2·V−1·s−1 together with current modulation of 106.

MAPLE fabrication of thin films based on kanamycin functionalized magnetite nanoparticles with anti-pathogenic properties

In this study we aimed to evaluate the biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity of kanamycin functionalized 5nm-magnetite (Fe3O4@KAN) nanoparticles thin films deposited by Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE) technique. A laser deposition regime was established in order to stoichiometrically transfer Fe3O4@KAN thin films on silicone and glass substrates. Morphological and physico-chemical properties of powders and coatings were characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM, AFM and IR microscopy (IRM). Our nanostructured thin films have proved efficiency in the prevention of microbial adhesion and mature biofilms development as a result of antibiotic release in its active form. Furthermore, kanamycin functionalized nanostructures exhibit a good biocompatibility, both in vivo and in vitro, demonstrating their potential for implants application. This is the first study reporting the assessment of the in vivo biocompatibility of a magnetite-antimicrobial thin films produced by MAPLE technique.

Lipase biofilm deposited by Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation technique

Lipase is an enzyme that finds application in biodiesel production and for detection of esters and triglycerides in biosensors. Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE), a technique derived from Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) for deposition of undamaged biomolecules or polymers, is characterized by the use of a frozen target obtained from a solution/suspension of the guest material (to be deposited) in a volatile matrix (solvent). The presence of the solvent avoids or at least reduces the potential damage of guest molecules by laser radiation but only the guest material reaches the substrate in an essentially solvent-free deposition. MAPLE can be used for enzymes immobilization, essential for industrial application, allowing the development of continuous processes, an easier separation of products, the reuse of the catalyst and, in some cases, enhancing enzyme properties (pH, temperature stability, etc.) and catalytic activity in non-aqueous media. Here we show that MAPLE technique can be used to deposit undamaged lipase and that the complex structure (due to droplets generated during extraction from target) of the deposited material can be controlled by changing the laser beam fluence.