Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
configurations and patterned architectures can also be achieved
with well-tailored three-dimensional (3D) collectors. These
nanofibrous scaffolds with specific macro- and microstruc-
tures providing biomimetic functionalization are currently being
explored for skin, bone, cartilage, nerve, vascular, and con-
trolled delivery of drugs. The development of tissue engineer-
ing techniques depends on the improvement of the design and
fabricationtechniquesofnanostructuredscaffoldsaswellasapro-
found understanding of the material structure-related biological
processes.
11.1 Introduction
Tissueengineeringisaninterdisciplinaryfieldthatappliestheprin-
ciplesofengineeringandthelifesciencestothedevelopmentofbio-
logical substitutes that restore, maintain, or improve tissue/organ
function. 1 Biomaterials play a pivotal role in tissue engineering by
serving as matrices for cellular ingrowth, proliferation, and new tis-
sue formation in 3D. 2 Nanofibrous scaffolds have a high surface-to-
volumeratio,whichisthoughttoenhancecelladhesion, 3 migration,
proliferation, and differentiated function. 4 Therefore, several fab-
rication techniques, such as melt-blown, 5 phase separation, 6 self-
assembly, 7 template synthesis, 8 and electrospinning, 9 have been
employed to produce suitable polymeric nanofibrous materials
for tissue engineering applications. Among them, electrospinning
(Fig. 11.1) is one of the popular and preferred techniques to use
becauseofthesimilarityofthestructureofelectrospunfiberstothat
oftheECM,andthistechniqueissimpleandcosteffectiveandisable
to produce continuous nanofibers of various materials, from poly-
mers to ceramics. In addition, electrospinning seems to be the only
method that can be further developed for large-scale production of
continuousnanofibersforindustrial applications.
Electrospinning is a process that was first conceived in the late
nineteenthcenturybyLordRayleigh.ThefirstU.S.patentwasissued
in 1934 to Formhals. 10 In its simplest form, an electrospinning
device essentially consists of a statitron to create an electric field
between a grounded collector and a positively charged capillary
 
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