Fabrication of scaffolds for stem cells via ultrafast laser material processing of polymer films and electrospun webs

Scaffolds, i.e. structures that allow controlling the behaviour of the cells, require advanced fabrication techniques that enable realization of complicated 3D micro structures. Ultrafast laser processing methods are widely applied especially multiple photon polymerization techniques. The main drawback of the mentioned method is the limited range of materials and involved processes that are not always biocompatible with live organism. In the current work different approach was applied where top down lithography method - laser drilling of biocompatible material together with bottom-up method: electrospinning technique which allows obtaining a fibrous structure mimicking the extracellular matrix, was demonstrated. Using ultrafast 1030 nm wavelength Yb:KGW femto-second laser and micro-fabrication workstation thin biocompatible polymer films were pre-structured with micrometer and tens or micrometer ranges membrane and grid structures. 3D scaffolds, i.e. layer of micro-/nano-fibers, were obtained employing electrospinning of different polymer composition solutions. Fabricated scaffolds provides suitable environment for the stem cell adhesion, migration and proliferation.