Femtosecond laser-induced nanostructures on Fe-30Mn surfaces for biomedical applications

FeMn alloy is a promising biodegradable metal due to its high strength and biocompatibility, but the inadequate degradation rate and poor surface performance impede its further development. To overcome the drawbacks, femtosecond laser surface modification was used to establish nano-ripple structure on the Fe-30Mn alloy surface in this work. After laser texturing, typical nano-ripple structures were established on the alloy surfaces. With the increase of laser average line fluence from 10 to 30 J cm(-2), the nano-ripple period decreased and vertical sinuous grooves were formed on the surface, resulting in a high roughness value and a hydrophobic surface. Compared with the polished sample, the nano-ripple structure surface exhibited significant improvement of the actual biodegradation rate. Further, in vitro cell counting kit-8 test showed that the laser surface modification had few effects on the cytocompatibility of Fe-30%Mn alloy. The results indicate its great potential for physical surface modification of biodegradable metals.

Automated summary

In this study, femtosecond laser surface modification was used to establish nano-ripple structure on FeMn alloy, improving its biodegradation rate significantly, while in vitro cell tests showed minimal impact on cytocompatibility. This method shows great potential for physical surface modification of biodegradable metals.