Nanoscale biofunctionalization of polymer surfaces by laser treatment for controlled cellular differentiation

In this chapter we will discuss how nanostructures can interact with stem cells. After an introduction regarding the basic concepts of stem cells, their properties, and their uses in the medical field, we will then examine how stem cells can recognize physical forces and how this can be reproduced in vitro using materials produced in micro-and nanofabrication processes. Afterwards we will describe the principles and applications of a novel direct laser ablation technique, multibeam interference, and how patterns produced with such a method can be employed in stem cell research.