Laser-based microscale patterning of biodegradable polymers for biomedical applications

In this paper, we throw light on current state of advancements in the field of biodegradable polymers and devices targeted at biomedical applications. A short introduction involving biodegradable polymers, various fabrication techniques for patterning biodegradable polymers and an extensive coverage of ultraviolet (UV) laser micromachining of polymers is presented. We also present UV laser micromachining of biodegradable polymers for potential biomedical applications. Micro-holes and microchannels, which are important features in many micro-devices, have been etched on biodegradable polymers by UV lasers. The morphology and surface conditions of the etched micro-features in the polymers are studied using SEM and surface profilometre. The effect of laser parameters such as laser wavelength and pulse energy on the etching quality is also investigated. This work on using UV laser for ablation of biodegradable polymers is the first of its kind.