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Expansion of Two-dimension Electrospun Nanofiber Mats into Three-dimension Scaffolds
Published on: January 7, 2019
Multiscale three-dimensional scaffolds for soft tissue engineering via multimodal electrospinning.
Sherif Soliman1, Stefania Pagliari, Antonio Rinaldi
1NAST Centre and Department of Chemical Science and Technology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
Acta Biomaterialia
|November 6, 2009
Summary
A new electrospinning technique creates advanced 3D scaffolds by blending nano- and microscale fibers. These multimodal scaffolds show improved mechanical strength and enhanced cell infiltration for tissue engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Developing advanced scaffolds is crucial for soft tissue engineering.
- Existing methods often produce scaffolds with limited fiber diameter control.
- Multiscale fiber distribution is desirable for mimicking native tissue structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel electrospinning process for creating bio-inspired, multiscale 3D scaffolds.
- To investigate the microstructure, mechanical properties, and biological performance of these novel scaffolds.
- To assess the potential of these scaffolds for soft tissue engineering applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of bimodal poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds using a novel electrospinning technique.
- Characterization of scaffold microstructure (porosity, fiber distribution, pore structure) and mechanical properties (stiffness, strength).
- Biological assessment using mesenchymal stem cells (mTERT-MSCs) for viability, colonization, and differentiation potential.
Main Results:
- The novel multimodal scaffolds exhibited superior mechanical properties (Young's modulus ~40MPa, strength ~1MPa) compared to unimodal controls, despite high porosity (~90%).
- Enhanced cell colonization within the multimodal scaffolds was observed, attributed to an open pore structure and bridging nanofibers.
- Mesenchymal stem cells showed good viability and maintained their multilineage differentiation potential (adipogenic and osteogenic).
Conclusions:
- The developed electrospinning process successfully fabricates bio-inspired multiscale scaffolds with controlled fiber distribution.
- These multimodal scaffolds offer a promising platform for soft tissue engineering due to their enhanced mechanical properties and superior cell infiltration.
- The unique nanoweb structure and open pore architecture contribute to improved cell motility, survival, and tissue regeneration potential.
