Laser surface structuring of ceramics, metals and polymers for biomedical applications: A review

This chapter provides a review of the literature in relation to laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSSs) found on metals, ceramics and polymers applicable within the biomedical and biotechnology sectors. The fundamental theory behind LIPSSs in general is addressed first followed by the state of the art in generating LIPSSs on metallic, polymeric and ceramics materials as an overview. Thereafter, an outline of the laser processing parameters required to create such surface structures for the aforementioned materials is given, followed by applications of such structures on various biomedical grade materials. Moreover, current and future trends in relation to LIPSSs are presented herein. A discussion of new prospectives and the current gap in knowledge is also addressed for future research in this area.