Surface modification of bioresorbable polymer scaffolds by laser treatment

• Published in: Biophysics (Oxford) 2010-04, Vol.55 (2), p.234-238
• Main Authors: Slabko, V. V., Volova, T. G., Krasnov, P. O., Kuzubov, A. A., Shishatskaya, E. I.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biodegradable materials; Biological and Medical Physics; Biophysics; Cell Biophysics; Cellular biology; Lasers; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Polymers; Tissue engineering
• ISSN: 0006-3509; 1555-6654
• DOI: 10.1134/S0006350910020120

The effect of laser irradiation on the properties of the surface of films prepared from a bioresorbable polymer poly(hydroxybuturate) has been studied. To determine the spectral region of the polymer optimal for the effective action of radiation on electron molecular bonds, theoretical investigations have been performed, which have shown that, for modifying the surface of PHB scaffolds, it is expedient to use a vacuum laser at a wavelength of 160 nm. Using laser irradiation at a power from 3 to 30 W, a series of films with modified surface, from roughnesses to perforations, have been obtained. The microstructure and properties of the film surface depending on the mode of irradiation have been examined, and conditions have been found under which the contact marginal angles of film wetting with water can be decreased to 50° (compared with 76–80° in starting products). Thus, conditions of laser treatment of PHB scaffolds have been theoretically substantiated and experimentally realized that provide a beneficial effect on the properties of the surface without destroying the structure of the material.