Laser‐Induced Structuring of Biocompatible Polymers for the Controlled Orientation of Multinucleated Myotubes

Surface topography plays a critical role in regulating cellular behavior through contact guidance. In this context, micro-nanostructured materials have gained widespread use in biomedicine with applications in biosensing, bioimaging, or tissue engineering. Among the different strategies that can be applied for surface structuration, laser-induced surface patterning offers a precise and versatile alternative to traditional lithographic techniques by enabling rapid processing and tailored modifications of material properties. Using an ultrafast femtosecond laser, the laser structuring of three different biopolymers, sodium alginate, gelatin, and collagen are investigated here. The resulting surfaces are analyzed using confocal and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In parallel, the structural and chemical modifications induced by the laser ablation are thoroughly characterized. The interaction of human myoblasts cultured on these engineered surfaces is evaluated revealing that the laser-induced topographical features have a significant impact on myoblast alignment. Specifically, optimal channel widths of 20–25 µm and interline spacings ranging from 35 to 150 µm promoted efficient cell organization mimicking the native constraint of skeletal muscle tissue. These findings emphasize the potential of laser-patterned polymer surfaces to guide muscle cell orientation and differentiation, providing a promising approach for developing functional surfaces in skeletal muscle tissue engineering.