Ultra-short pulse laser surface microstructuring for biomedical applications

Surface texture is one of the key factors which determinates the initial integration and long-term success of medical implants. On the one hand, many important surface characteristics like wetting, tribology, etc. can be systematically improved by microstructuring. On the other hand, initial adhesion of tissue cells and bacteria to the surface of alloplastic material can be promoted or inhibited by using appropriate microstructured surfaces. While for an effective control of tissue cells structures with the geometrical dimensions in the range of several tens of micrometres and larger are sufficient, structures with the geometrical dimensions in the range of few micrometres and smaller are required for fabrication of anti-bacterial surfaces. In this presentation an overview of the structures in micro- and sub-micrometer range, generated by ultra-short pulse laser ablation, and study of their impact on tissue cells and bacteria will be presented.