Laser-Induced Structuring of Biocompatible Polymers for the Controlled Orientation of Multinucleated Myotubes

Year: 2025

Authors: Murru C., Duvert L., Ferry D., Al-Kattan A., Magdinier F., Alloncle AP., Testa S., Casanova A.

Autors Affiliation: CNR, Natl Inst Opt, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; Aix Marseille Univ, Ctr Natl Rech Sci CNRS, Laser Plasmas & Procedes Photon LP3, Campus Luminy, F-13009 Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, Inst Natl St & Rech Med INSERM, Marseille Med genet MMG, F-13005 Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, Ctr Interdisciplinaire Nanosci Marseille CINaM, Ctr Natl Rech Sci CNRS, Campus Luminy, F-13009 Marseille, France.

Abstract: Surface topography plays a critical role in regulating cellular behavior through contact guidance. In this context, micro-nanostructured materials have gained widespread use in biomedicine with applications in biosensing, bioimaging, or tissue engineering. Among the different strategies that can be applied for surface structuration, laser-induced surface patterning offers a precise and versatile alternative to traditional lithographic techniques by enabling rapid processing and tailored modifications of material properties. Using an ultrafast femtosecond laser, the laser structuring of three different biopolymers, sodium alginate, gelatin, and collagen are investigated here. The resulting surfaces are analyzed using confocal and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In parallel, the structural and chemical modifications induced by the laser ablation are thoroughly characterized. The interaction of human myoblasts cultured on these engineered surfaces is evaluated revealing that the laser-induced topographical features have a significant impact on myoblast alignment. Specifically, optimal channel widths of 20-25 mu m and interline spacings ranging from 35 to 150 mu m promoted efficient cell organization mimicking the native constraint of skeletal muscle tissue. These findings emphasize the potential of laser-patterned polymer surfaces to guide muscle cell orientation and differentiation, providing a promising approach for developing functional surfaces in skeletal muscle tissue engineering.

Journal/Review: ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES

More Information: C.M. and L.D. contributed equally to this work. The work was funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR Medilibs and Diagem projects) together with the French Defense Innovation Agency (ANR-DGA/AID-ICELARE Project ID ANR-20-ASTR-0004). The PhD thesis of Lucas Duvert was co-funded by Aix-Marseille University, the French Defense Innovation Agency, and the MarMaRa funding scheme. This work received support from the French government under the France 2030 investment plan, as part of the Initiative d’Excellence d’Aix-Marseille Universite – A*MIDEX AMX-23-CPJ-05. The project leading to this publication has received funding from the Excellence Initiative of Aix-Marseille UniversityA*Midex, a French Investissement d’avenir program AMX-19-IET-007, through the MarMaRa funding scheme. This work was conducted using LaMP facilities at LP3. The authors also acknowledge the Region SUD for their financial support.
KeyWords: biomaterials; contact guidance; laser direct writing; muscle tissue engineering; surface structuring
DOI: 10.1002/admi.202500131