Laser surface engineering of polymeric materials for enhanced mesenchymal stem cell adhesion and growth

Owing to them being relatively inexpensive and easy to manipulate, polymers are becoming more widely used within the biomedical industry for several different applications. As an example, because of its high wear resistance, low moisture absorption and high chemical resistance, poly(ether ether ketone) is commonly used as a biomaterial in the healthcare and biomedical industries. However, poly(ether ether ketone) surface properties are not optimum for efficient or enhanced bio-functionality, leading it to have somewhat inferior wettability and adhesion characteristics. On account of this, many researchers are now looking to employ surface engineering techniques to improve and enhance the surface properties of poly(ether ether ketone), enhancing its biomimetic nature and improving the bio-adhesion properties. This chapter discusses the importance of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), the biological applications of poly(ether ether ketone) and the application of lasers for surface engineering of poly(ether ether ketone) for modifying mesenchymal stem cell response. Through the application of CO2 laser surface engineering it has been shown that laser surface engineering can have a positive effect on the rate of human mesenchymal cell growth, highlighting the opportunities for the healthcare and biomedical industries to adopt such technique. In addition, discussion of including poly(ether ether ketone) and other polymer materials as bio-composite materials for future research is introduced for enhancing material properties.