Laser-based three-dimensional multiscale micropatterning of biocompatible hydrogels for customized tissue engineering scaffolds

Abstract

In this paper we present results on 3D, multiscale laser machining of soft, transparent biomaterials suited for cellular growth and/or implantation. We use an ultrafast laser to generate high-resolution, 3D structures within the bulk of a transparent soft-biomaterial formulation that can support cell growth and allow cells to penetrate deep within the material. The structure is created by multiphoton absorption which, thanks to the clarity of the silk gels, is possible nearly 1 cm below the surface of the material. This depth represents an ∼10× improvement over other materials. The ability to create micrometer-scale voids over such a large volume has promising applications in the biomedical field and its efficacy was demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Sep 15, 2015
Source ID
10.1073/pnas.1509405112

Entities

People

  • Benedetto Marelli
  • Benjamin P. Partlow
  • David L. Kaplan
  • Fiorenzo G Omenetto
  • Jeannine Coburn
  • Jessica P. Mondia
  • Jodie E. Moreau
  • Matthew B. Applegate

Organizations

  • Office of Naval Research Global
  • Tufts University

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.
  • Semiconductor Device Technology

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Directed Energy