Schwann Cell Alignment with fs-Laser Induced Micro- and Nano-Structures

Description

We describe the formation of fs-laser induced micro- and nano-structures for achieving directed growth of Schwann cells, a type of glial cells that can support the regeneration of the nerve pathway by guiding the neuronal axons in the direction of their alignment. Polymer surfaces, i.e. polycarbonate (PC) or cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), were exposed to the beam of a 1040 nm Yb-based amplified fs laser system with a pulse length of about 350 fs. With appropriate parameters, the laser exposure results in a surface topography with oriented micro-grooves and/or nano-ripples. CAB is a biodegradable polymer with the main part being cellulose with attached acetyl and acyl rests. For control experiments, plates of the Titanium alloy TiAl6V4 ELI were used. Schwann cell growth on these substrates was inspected after 3 to 7 days of cultivation by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We show that Schwann cells can grow in a certain direction, predetermined by micro-groove or nano-ripple orientation. In contrast, cells cultivated on randomly oriented nanofibers or unstructured surfaces, show an omnidirectional growth behavior. This method may be used in future to produce nerve conduits for the treatment of injuries to the peripheral nervous system.

Period	May 2025
Event title	EMRS 2025 Spring Meeting
Event type	Conference
Location	FranceShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International