Femtosecond laser-triggered molecular release from biodegradable polymer microcapsules incorporated in gelatin hydrogel

Stimuli-responsible controlled release of growth factors from a tissue scaffold has gained significant interest for efficient tissue engineering. Laser-triggered methods for the molecular release have the advantage of spatial and temporal controllability. In this study, we demonstrate laser-triggered molecular release from biodegradable polymer microcapsules incorporated in gelatin hydrogel for the aim of efficient tissue engineering. The microcapsules, which fluorescent molecules were encapsulated, were fabricated using a dual-coaxial nozzle system. The microcapsule suspension was mixed with gelatin solution, followed by cross-linking to fabricate a gelatin hydrogel. Femtosecond laser pulses were focused onto the hydrogel to release fluorescent molecules from the microcapsules in the gelatin hydrogel.