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Collagen-Coating Modulates Femtosecond Laser-Induced Autofluorescence and Morphological Changes in Human Fibroblasts
M A Zaki Ewiss1, M A Mahmoud2, R Steiner3
1Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part B, Applied Biomaterials
|December 23, 2025
Summary
Collagen substrates significantly increase human fibroblast damage from femtosecond laser irradiation. This extracellular matrix component enhances cell susceptibility and metabolic stress, impacting laser-based therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Optics
- Cell Biology
- Laser-Tissue Interactions
Background:
- Femtosecond lasers offer precise tissue interaction.
- Substrate material influences cellular response to laser irradiation.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of collagen-coated substrates on human fibroblast response to femtosecond laser irradiation.
- To compare cellular responses on collagen-coated versus uncoated glass.
- To analyze cell viability, morphology, and metabolic cofactor autofluorescence.
Main Methods:
- Human fibroblasts cultured on collagen-coated and uncoated glass plates.
- Irradiation with an 800 nm, 90 fs femtosecond laser at varying durations (5, 20, 100 s).
- Assessment of cell viability, morphology, and autofluorescence using laser-scanning microscopy post-irradiation.
Main Results:
- Collagen-coated substrates exhibited accelerated and more severe fibroblast damage compared to uncoated glass.
- Observed damage included cellular swelling, cytoplasmic granularity, and nuclear changes.
- Increased autofluorescence on collagen surfaces indicated elevated metabolic stress.
Conclusions:
- The collagen extracellular matrix significantly enhances fibroblast susceptibility to femtosecond laser damage.
- Substrate properties play a critical role in ultrafast laser-cell interactions.
- Findings are relevant for optimizing laser therapies in tissue remodeling and wound healing.
