Effect of laser generated shockwaves 1 on ex-vivo pigskin.

Introduction: Persistent bacterial infection prolongs hospitalizations, leading to increased healthcare costs. Treatment of these infections costs several billion dollars annually. Biofilm production is one mechanism by which bacteria become resistant.

Laser induced shockwaves on flexible polymers for treatment of bacterial biofilms.

Bacterial biofilm-related infections are a burden on the healthcare industry. The effect of laser generated shockwaves through polycarbonate, a flexible polymer, is explored for its ability to generate high peak stresses, and also for its ability to conform to complex wound surfaces. Shockwave pulses in Al coated polycarbonate substrates and a resulting peak stress of greater than 60 MPa was measured which should provide sufficient pressure to kill bacteria.

Bacterial biofilm disruption using laser generated shockwaves.

A system was built to test the efficacy of bacterial biofilm disruption using laser generated shockwaves. The system is based on a Q-switched, ND:YAG pulsed laser operating at a rep rate of 10 Hz with 1500 mJ pulses centered at 1064 nm. The laser pulses were used to create shockwave pulses in Al coated polycarbonate substrates and a resulting peak stress of greater than 50 MPa was measured.