Medical prototyping using two photon polymerization
Materials Today
12
13
42-48
2010
Type: Zeitschriftenaufsatz (reviewed)
Abstract
Two photon polymerization involves nearly simultaneous absorption of ultrashort laser pulses for selective curing of photosensitive material. This process has recently been used to create small-scale medical devices out of several classes of photosensitive materials, such as acrylate-based polymers, organically-modified ceramic materials, zirconium sol-gels, and titanium-containing hybrid materials. In this review, the use of two photon polymerization for fabrication of several types of small-scale medical devices, including microneedles, artificial tissues, microfluidic devices, pumps, sensors, and valves, from computer models is described. Necessary steps in the development of two photon polymerization as a commercially viable medical device manufacturing method are also considered.