Fabrication of three-dimensional electrospun microstructures using phase modulated femtosecond laser pulses

“Electrospun polycaprolactone nanofibers were selectively ablated to form microstructures via the phase modulation of femtosecond laser beams. Ablation width (1–15 μm) and depth (15–110 μm) resolution were dependent upon the selection of pulse energy and microscope objective. Because phase modulation shapes light in a maskless fashion, desired templates were digitally created and physically transferred to electrospun mats within a matter of minutes. Several microarchitectures were formed in parallel by dividing pulse energy between multiple foci, substantially increasing throughput. The data presented herein demonstrates that phase-based laser ablation can be used to rapidly shape and tailor electrospun mats in three dimensions.”