Cell response on laser-patterned Ti/Zr/Ti and Ti/Cu/Ti multi-layer systems

TL;DR

This study investigates how ultrafast laser patterning of Ti/Zr/Ti and Ti/Cu/Ti multilayer thin films affects cell response, showing generally non-toxic effects and potential for bioactive surface applications.

Contribution

It introduces laser-induced surface structuring on multilayer Ti-based films and evaluates their biocompatibility with cell cultures.

Findings

No significant cytotoxic effects observed.

Slight decrease in cell viability on Ti/Cu/Ti/Si system.

Laser patterning creates nano- and micro-structures on thin films.

Abstract

Arranged patterns obtained by ultrafast laser processing on the surface of Ti/Cu/Ti/Si and Ti/Zr/Ti/Si thin film systems are reported. Two differently designed multilayer thin films, Ti/Cu/Ti/Si and Ti/Zr/Ti/Si, were deposited on silicon by the ion sputtering method. The bioactive surfaces on these systems involve the formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) in each of the laser-written lines of mesh patterns on 5x5 mm areas. The formation of nano- and micro-patterns with an ultra-thin oxide film on the surfaces was used to observe the effects of morphology and proliferation of the MRC-5 cell culture line. To determine whether Ti-based thin films have a toxic effect on living cells, an MTT assay was performed. The relative cytotoxic effect as a percentage of surviving cells showed that there was no difference in cell number between the Ti-based thin films and the control cells. There was also no difference in the viability of the MRC-5 cells, except for the Ti/Cu/Ti/Si system, where there was a slight 10% decrease in cell viability.