Obtaining a Promising Laser Induced Surface Nanostructure of Titanium Alloy for Biocompatibility

Biocompatibility of materials is of paramount importance in many areas of research, engineering, medical and consumer grade product development. Biocompatibility of surfaces can be understood as resistance of the surface to harmful bacteria colonisation and subsequent biofilm creation. Traditionally, such surfaces are created by coating the base material with a different material that offers the necessary biocompatibility features. This is often not desirable, as it introduces different surface chemistry, has different physical properties than the base material, and in many cases, does not provide a lasting solution. Modification of the surface of the base material would be preferrable. In the last decade, laser ablation of surfaces to create microscale and nanoscale patterns that improve biocompatibility has been at the forefront of research in this field. This research paper provides insight into current understanding of bactericidal surface topologies and demonstrates an example of obtaining a potentially bactericidal surface of grade V titanium alloy with an industrial grade nanosecond laser.