Laser produced coatings and surface modifications for medical implants

Abstract

Lasers can be an effective tool for tailoring the surface of medical implants. Laser irradiation can modify the surface wettability, bioactivity and its capacity to absorb proteins. By using appropriate energies and wavelengths, also the topographical features at macro, micro and nano level can be shaped in order to adapt to cells, extracellular matrices and orientation of ligand molecules. Pulsed laser deposition can produce nanometer thick, dense and well adhering CaP coatings with extremely fine control of chemistry and crystallinity. No further thermal annealing is needed. In-vitro and in-vivo experiments with different cells and animals models have demonstrated similar or better osseointegration of laser deposited coatings compared to the commercial available plasma sprayed ones. Ultraviolet lasers can successfully chemically functionalize the surface of implants, and femtosecond laser can drill polymer plates or meshes for tissue engineering applications. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd.