Laser processing of advanced bioceramics

In this article, laser processing of diamondlike carbon-metal nanocomposite films, hydroxyapatite-osteoblast composites, and Ormocer (R) microdevices for medical applications is described. Pulsed laser deposition has been used to process diamondlike carbon-silver-platinum nanocomposite films that provide hardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and antimicrobial functionalities to cardiovascular orthopaedic, biosensor, and MEMS devices. Laser direct writing has been used for fabricating integrated cell-scaffold structures. Two photon induced polymerization has been used to create Ormocer (R) tissue engineering scaffolds and microneedles with unique geometries. Pulsed laser deposition, laser direct write, and two photon induced polymerization techniques may provide medical engineers with advanced biomaterials that possess unique structures and functionalities.