JPSA UV Laser Micro-machines Pores, Channels in Revolutionary ‘Liver Chip’ Biomedical Device
In the world of cutting-edge biotechnology, one unique project designed to culture liver tissue, pioneered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), may one day soon save lives. The cell-holding scaffolds are made of laser-machined polymers (Polycarbonate, Polyethylene Terephthalate, and Polyimide). Extremely small channels and pores in the polymer scaffolds are micro-machined using highly precise UV excimer lasers custom designed by J P Sercel Associates (JPSA) in Hollis, New Hampshire, USA.
(PRWEB) November 15, 2004 -- In the world of cutting-edge biotechnology, one
unique project designed to culture liver tissue, pioneered by the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology (MIT), may one day soon save lives. The cell-holding
scaffolds are made of laser-machined polymers (Polycarbonate, Polyethylene
Terephthalate, and Polyimide). Extremely small channels and pores in the polymer
scaffolds are micro-machined using highly precise UV excimer lasers custom
designed by J P Sercel Associates (JPSA) in Hollis, New Hampshire,
USA.
The UV laser micro-machining application was developed in JPSA’s
Applications Laboratory. “Excimer laser micromachining is ideal for this
application for a variety of reasons” says Jeffrey P. Sercel, President.
“Short-wavelength UV laser energy is ideal for clean-cutting, drilling, and
shaping polymer and other materials that are difficult to micro-machine using
other technologies. Although an etching process can be used, such as reactive
ion etching, UV laser technology allows processing of materials such as
polycarbonate and polycyclo-olefins that offer favorable characteristics for
biomedical applications.”
In process, very fine and measured amounts of
material are removed as a plasma plume by “photo-ablation” with each laser
pulse, leaving a cleanly-sculpted pore, channel, or feature.
The large
size characteristic of the UV excimer laser beam allows it to be separated into
multiple beamlets through near-field imaging techniques, so that multiple pores,
for example, can be simultaneously bored with each laser pulse. Imaging
techniques also allow sub-micron resolution so that nano features can be
effectively controlled and shaped. Manufacturing specifications require JPSA to
micro-machine scaffold thickness of 250 microns and channel depth of 200
microns, with pore depth of 50 microns.
The concept of the “Liver Chip”
was developed by a team led by Linda Griffith, Professor, Mechanical Engineering
and Biological Engineering, and Karel Domansky, Research Scientist. The “Liver
Chip” represents a perfect example of systems biology as a model for human
disease and as a tool in early drug discovery and development. Primary cells
from liver are introduced into the new technology to support development of the
three-dimensional structures of a functioning liver. The chip is made with tiny
channels that provide simulated blood flow. These channels supply the cells with
the correct nutrients and hormones to promote growth of tissue architecture and
function. The chip’s creators are also working with industry to develop the
liver chip as a tool for drug discovery and development, including drug
metabolism and toxicology, simulating the liver regulation network in the lab as
a model for human disease. Each year thousands of liver transplants are required
but the supply does not always meet the demand. Research facilitated by the
liver chip will promote a better understanding of liver health, provide insight
into disease prevention and reduce the need for liver transplants.
JPSA
products and services include UV excimer and DPSS laser micro machining systems,
UV and VUV laser beam delivery systems, UV laser materials processing
development, optical damage testing, and excimer laser refurbishment services.
JPSA Laser operates a high-performance UV laser job shop as well as a systems
engineering and manufacturing business.
For more information, visit www.jpsalaser.com, or contact
the company at 17D Clinton Drive, Hollis, NH 03049 USA, Tel. 603.595.7048, fax
603.598.3835. E-mail: e-mail protected from spam bots.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/11/prweb178438.htm