title: Laser induced shockwaves on flexible polymers for treatment of bacterial biofilms.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: UCLA Department of Mchanical Engineering, USA.
authors.forename: Artemio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Navarro
authors.forename: Zachary D
authors.initials: ZD
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Beenhouwer
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Haake
authors.forename: Vijay
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.forename: Warren S
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Grundfest
mesh_terms: D018407:Bacterial Physiological Phenomena / Q000528:radiation effects*; D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D007834:Lasers; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011108:Polymers / Q000528:radiation effects*
chemical_list: D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011108:Polymers; C017902:lexan