Laser Induced Micro/Nano Functional Surfaces on Metals for Biomedical Applications

Laser processing is one of the precise techniques to achieve functional surfaces with micro/nanostructures on metallic materials. The controlled laser-induced structures on metallic implants significantly alter the mechanical properties, chemical stability, and bioactivity. Therefore, the present chapter emphasizes the recent research works on laser processing such as selective laser melting (SLM), laser surface melting (LSM), laser surface patterning of various metallic implant materials. The surface characteristics, and biomedical applications of processed surfaces are summarized. Various textures from micron to the nanometer-scale on permanent and degradable implants produced using high energy pulsed lasers enhanced the biomineralization and cell proliferation behaviors. Furthermore, the laser micro/nanotextured surfaces with different surface roughness and chemical composition improved the antibacterial activity of the implants, and also directed the cell attachment depending on the size/nature of the nanostructures. The femtosecond laser was used to develop the laser-induced periodic surface structure (LIPSS) on titanium alloys. The surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) response of adsorbed biomolecules and fluorescence enhancement on the hierarchical LIPSS surfaces for clinical applications are also discussed.