Rapid prototyping of polymer microsystems via excimer laser ablation of polymeric moulds.

This study presents a novel method for rapid prototyping of polymer microsystems. The method is based on excimer laser ablation of a thermally and mechanically stable polymer, such as PEEK (poly-ether-ether-ketone). A negative of the desired microsystem is laser machined in PEEK, which can then be used directly for hot embossing or injection moulding of a series of prototypes. This approach is very rapid and considerably cheaper than more traditional approaches to toolmaking, while still performing well in terms of reproduction of tool dimensions. The reduction in time and cost for a master tool using this method opens up new possibilities for testing small series in the R&D phase of a microsystem. Finally, two particular applications of the technique are presented.

Effect of nanocoating with rhamnogalacturonan-I on surface properties and osteoblasts response.

Long-term stability of titanium implants are dependent on a variety of factors. Nanocoating with organic molecules is one of the methods used to improve osseointegration. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the in vitro effect of nanocoating with pectic rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) on surface properties and osteoblasts response. Three different RG-Is from apple and lupin pectins were modified and coated on amino-functionalized tissue culture polystyrene plates (aminated TCPS). Surface properties were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, contact angle measurement, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The effects of nanocoating on proliferation, matrix formation and mineralization, and expression of genes (real-time PCR) related to osteoblast differentiation and activity were tested using human osteoblast-like SaOS-2 cells. It was shown that RG-I coatings affected the surface properties. All three RG-I induced bone matrix formation and mineralization, which was also supported by the finding that gene expression levels of alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and collagen type-1 were increased in cells cultured on the RG-I coated surface, indicating a more differentiated osteoblastic phenotype. This makes RG-I coating a promising and novel candidate for nanocoatings of implants.