Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 22, 2025
09:29
Electrospinning Growth Factor Releasing Microspheres into Fibrous Scaffolds
Published on: August 16, 2014
12.5K
Solution Formulation and Rheology for Fabricating Extracellular Matrix-Derived Fibers Using Low-Voltage
Zhaoying Li1,2, Iek M Lei1,2, Pooya Davoodi1,2
1Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, U.K.
ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering
|January 6, 2021
Summary
This study shows how gelatin solution rheology impacts electrospun fiber properties. Adding decellularized matrix particles and controlling cross-linking allows precise control over fiber structure for tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Electrospinning biologically derived fibers like gelatin is crucial for tissue engineering.
- Modifying polymer solutions alters fiber morphology and processing parameters.
- Decellularized matrix particles (dCMps) can be incorporated into biopolymer solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how gelatin solution formulation, including dCMps, affects electrospinning processability and fiber morphology.
- To explore the role of cross-linking in achieving water-insoluble gelatin fibers with specific structures.
- To establish rheological properties as predictors for electrospun fiber fabrication and patterning strategies.
Main Methods:
- Formulating gelatin solutions with varying concentrations of gelatin and dCMps.
- Utilizing low-voltage electrospinning patterning for fiber fabrication.
- Conducting oscillatory rheological tests to analyze solution properties (e.g., loss tangent).
- Investigating the effect of cross-linker addition and time on fiber structure (woven vs. nonwoven).
Main Results:
- Electrospinnability and fiber morphology were found to be dependent on the rheological properties of the gelatin/dCMp solutions.
- Solution dispersion rheology served as a reliable indicator for guiding fiber processability and patterning.
- The loss tangent indicated a transition between "extrusion-patterning" and "drag-patterning" configurations.
- Cross-linking time was identified as a key factor in controlling the transition between woven and nonwoven fibrous film structures.
Conclusions:
- Rheological characterization of gelatin solutions is essential for controlling electrospun fiber fabrication and morphology.
- The addition of dCMps and controlled cross-linking offer tunable strategies for creating specific fiber microstructures.
- This research provides a framework for fabricating extracellular matrix-based fibers and films tailored for tissue engineering applications.
