Laser microfabrication of hydroxyapatite‐osteoblast‐like cell composites

Abstract

We have developed a novel approach for layer‐by‐layer growth of tissue‐engineered materials using a direct writing process known as matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation direct write (MAPLE DW). Unlike conventional cell‐seeding methods, this technique provides the possibility for cell‐material integration prior to artificial tissue fabrication. This process also provides greater flexibility in selection and processing of scaffold materials. In addition, MAPLE DW offers rapid computer‐controlled deposition of mesoscopic voxels at high spatial resolutions. We have examined MAPLE DW processing of zirconia and hydroxyapatite scaffold materials that can provide a medical device with nearly inert and bioactive implant‐tissue interfaces, respectively. We have also demonstrated codeposition of hydroxyapatite, MG 63 osteoblast‐like cells, and extracellular matrix using MAPLE DW. We have shown that osteoblast‐like cells remain viable and retain the capacity for proliferation when codeposited with bioceramic scaffold materials. Our results on MG 63‐hydroxyapatite composites can be extended to develop other integrated cell‐scaffold structures for medical and dental applications. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007