Microstructuration of protein matrices by laser-induced photochemistry

International audienceWe report on the laser fabrication of BSA and type I collagen microstructures using Eosin Y or Rose Bengal photo sensitizers. Similar cross-linking results have been obtained by one-photon absorption or two-photon absorption using a green Q-switched microlaser or a near-infrared mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser, respectively. The microstructure resolution depends on the laser power, but is typically limited by the size of the laser beam within the sample. The cross-linking of type I collagen with Rose Bengal is obtained in acidic conditions with a large photosensitizer concentration in the millimole range. The biocompatibility of microstructures was demonstrated by observing the specific adhesion of cells on collagen lines