Review paper: Surface Modification for Bioimplants: The Role of Laser Surface Engineering

Abstract

Often hard implants undergo detachment from the host tissue due to inadequate biocompatibility and poor osteointegration. Changing surface chemistry and physical topography of the surface influences biocompatibility. At present, the understanding of biocompatibility of both virgin and modified surfaces of bioimplant materials is limited and a great deal of research is being dedicated to this aspect. In view of this, the current review casts new light on research related to the surface modification of biomaterials, especially materials for prosthetic applications. A brief overview of the major surface modification techniques has been presented, followed by an in-depth discussion on laser surface modifications that have been explored so far along with those that hold tremendous potential for bioimplant applications.

Scaffolding in tissue engineering: general approaches and tissue-specific considerations

“…Therefore, many processes modifying the surface and bulk properties have been developed to improve their biocompatibility [78]. Examples include surface laser engineering [63] and coating with natural biomaterials such as collagen [16]. With the development of composites materials, the combinations of biomaterials for making porous scaffolds have become enormous.…”

Wear Performance of UHMWPE and Reinforced UHMWPE Composites in Arthroplasty Applications: A Review

“…Commonly used surface texturing techniques for UHMWPE are electrical discharge etching [110] and laser surface engineering [111]. Laser micro-machining is now widely used to modify the 3D surface textures of UHMWPE at both micro-and submicro-metre scales.…”

“…Laser micro-machining is now widely used to modify the 3D surface textures of UHMWPE at both micro-and submicro-metre scales. This technique becomes a good alternative to a standard photolithographic process because it is rapid and clean [111]. Using experimental and/or simulation methods existing studies investigated the effects of dimple size, depth and area density on the friction and wear properties of UHMWPE and its counterpart.…”

Laser Direct-Write Processing

“…8 Industrial applications using this technique range from high-throughput steel fabrication, to inkjet and fuel-injection nozzle fabrication, 9,10 to high-resolution manufacturing and texturing of stents or other implantable biomaterials. 11 At a smaller scale, inexpensive benchtop laser cutting and engraving systems can be purchased by the hobbyist or small company for artistic and architectural renderings. More recent developments in LDWϪ include chemically assisted techniques such as laser-drilling ceramics or biomaterials and laser-induced backside wet etching (LIBWE) of glass.…”