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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
Electrospun Nanofiber Scaffolds with Gradations in Fiber Organization
Published on: April 19, 2015
Simultaneous electrospin-electrosprayed biocomposite nanofibrous scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration.
Lijo Francis1, J Venugopal, Molamma P Prabhakaran
1Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.
Fabricating novel nanohydroxyapatite (HA) and gelatin (Gel) composite scaffolds using electrospinning and electrospraying techniques enhances bone tissue regeneration. This method improves cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralization for effective bioartificial bone grafts.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Bone tissue regeneration faces challenges in creating effective bioartificial bone grafts.
- Nanostructures mimicking natural extracellular matrix are crucial for tissue mineralization and regeneration.
- Simultaneous electrospraying of nanohydroxyapatite (HA) onto electrospun polymeric nanofibrous scaffolds shows promise for bone regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and evaluate nanofibrous scaffolds composed of gelatin (Gel) and nanohydroxyapatite (HA) for bone tissue regeneration.
- To compare different fabrication methods, including electrospinning and a combination of electrospinning-electrospraying.
- To assess the morphology, chemical and mechanical stability, and in vitro biocompatibility of the fabricated scaffolds.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of nanofibrous scaffolds using electrospinning (Gel, Gel/HA blends) and a combined electrospinning-electrospraying technique (Gel/HA).
- Characterization of scaffold morphology (FESEM), chemical composition (FTIR), and mechanical properties (universal tensile machine).
- In vitro biocompatibility assessment using human foetal osteoblasts, measuring cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and mineralization.
Main Results:
- The electrospin-electrospray fabrication method yielded biocomposite nanofibrous scaffolds with superior properties.
- Enhanced cell proliferation, increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and improved mineralization were observed in scaffolds produced by the combined technique.
- FESEM studies confirmed the nanostructure and integration of HA within the gelatin matrix.
Conclusions:
- The combination of electrospinning gelatin and electrospraying nanohydroxyapatite creates advanced biocomposite nanofibrous scaffolds.
- These scaffolds demonstrate enhanced biocompatibility and osteogenic potential, making them promising for bone tissue regeneration.
- The developed fabrication approach offers a novel strategy for creating effective bioartificial bone grafts.
