Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
09:32
Electrospun Nanofiber Scaffolds with Gradations in Fiber Organization
Published on: April 19, 2015
Biohybrid nanofiber constructs with anisotropic biomechanical properties
W Bonani1, D Maniglio, A Motta
1Department of Materials Engineering and Industrial Technologies, and BIOtech Research Center, University of Trento, Via Mesiano 77, 38100 Trento, Italy.
Summary
This study developed a novel poly(ε-caprolactone)-fibroin multilayer composite using double-electrospinning for engineered vascular grafts. The material mimics natural tissue properties, offering improved mechanical strength and cell adhesion for better tissue regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Synthetic implant materials often lack the anisotropic mechanical properties and cell-interactive surfaces of natural tissues.
- Engineered vascular grafts require development to overcome mechanical and biological challenges posed by current graft materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate a poly(ε-caprolactone)-fibroin multilayer composite using a double-electrospinning process.
- To create a scaffold with an endothelial-conducive surface and anisotropic mechanical properties suitable for engineered vascular constructs.
Main Methods:
- Optimized electrospinning parameters (voltage, concentration, feed rate, humidity) for uniform nanofibers.
- Utilized a rotating cylinder collector to impart anisotropic mechanical properties, mimicking natural vessel directions.
- Characterized constructs using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and uniaxial tensile tests.
Main Results:
- Successfully produced a well-integrated nanofibrous structure with tunable anisotropic mechanical properties.
- Demonstrated endothelial cell spread morphology and strong adhesion on fibroin-rich surfaces.
- The composite material exhibited properties suitable for engineered vascular constructs.
Conclusions:
- The developed double-electrospinning platform can produce robust multilayer scaffolds with tunable anisotropy and specific surface compositions.
- This approach holds significant potential for advancing tissue engineering applications, particularly in vascular graft development.
