Additive Manufacturing (AM) has revolutionized the creation of complex structures, enabling the production of intricate designs that were previously impossible to achieve. One of the most promising techniques in this field is Laser-Induced Forward Transfer (LIFT). Initially developed for use with metals, LIFT has since expanded to include a wide range of materials such as polymers, biological materials, ceramics, and nanoparticles. This versatility makes LIFT particularly exciting for research in biomedical device production. My research focuses on exploring the use of biopolymers with LIFT, with an emphasis on deposit resolution, the effects of laser processing on biocompatibility, and material adhesion.
Traditional AM techniques, such as stereolithography, extrusion, and ink-jet bioprinting, are widely used for processing biopolymers. While these methods are effective, they have certain limitations, particularly in terms of precision and the ability to handle heat-sensitive materials. Biopolymers like polylactic acid (PLA) and alginate are popular choices due to their sustainability and versatility. These materials find applications in various fields, including tissue engineering, drug delivery devices, and cell culture scaffolding. However, the potential of LIFT for processing biopolymers remains largely untapped. Unlike other polymer AM techniques, LIFT involves high-temperature processing, making thermoplastic materials ideal candidates due to their ability to melt and resolidify.
PLA, in particular, is a popular material for 3D printing and an interesting candidate for LIFT due to its biocompatibility, degradability, and moderate optical absorption over a broad range of wavelengths. Synthesized from fermented plant starches, PLA degrades into lactic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the human body. Unlike other polymers, PLA can be processed under various wavelengths without undergoing photochemical degradation. Moreover, working with polymers that can be processed in a broad range of wavelengths can result in overlapping processing windows with other materials such as metals and biological tissues, unlocking the potential for multi-material printing. These properties make PLA an ideal candidate for further exploration with LIFT.
One of the key advantages of LIFT is its precision, which is crucial for the production of medical devices that require intricate designs and high standards of quality. The technique allows for the construction of complex geometries, such as tissue engineering scaffolds, which promote cell growth and integration into the body. Additionally, LIFT can process heat-sensitive materials by reducing thermal exposure through the use of pulsed laser irradiation. The use of femtosecond pulse durations with LIFT opens up new possibilities for processing delicate biomaterials without compromising their physical integrity.
Despite its promise, the use of LIFT for biopolymers is still in the early stages of development. One significant gap in the current research is the limited understanding of material compatibility. There is a pressing need to identify potential biopolymer candidates and expand the list of materials that can be printed using LIFT. Another challenge is the formability of printing deposits. Identifying the optimal processing windows is necessary to enhance the quality and resolution of LIFT for biomedical device production.
In conclusion, LIFT represents a promising technique for the advancement of additive manufacturing, particularly in the field of biomedical device production. By exploring the use of biopolymers with LIFT, we can potentially overcome the limitations of traditional AM techniques and unlock new possibilities for the creation of complex, high-quality medical devices. Continued research in this area is essential to fully realize the potential of LIFT and to expand its applications in the biomedical field.
