Recent progress in CAD/CAM laser direct-writing of biomaterials

The matrix-assisted pulsed-laser evaporation direct-write (MAPLE DW) process allows for computer-controlled deposition and machining of mesoscopic voxels of material with a high degree of spatial resolution. This article provides a review of current biomedical research activities that involve patterning of three-dimensional structures using the MAPLE DW process. Recent developments in microfabrication of hydroxyapatite-osteoblast-like cell composites, laser micromachining of differentially adherent substrates, and the influence of processing parameters (e.g., laser energy density and spot size) are discussed. The MAPLE DW process may be used to fabricate free-standing cell-seeded networks with unique geometries for tissue engineering, drug discovery, and other biomedical applications.