Combination of far-field and near-field electrospinning for "ribs like structures"

In terms of biomaterials, there are many factors that play a key role in the interaction of the material with its surrounding. Besides the composition itself, the structure of the biomaterial surface is crucial. It mediates... [ view full abstract ]

In terms of biomaterials, there are many factors that play a key role in the interaction of the material with its surrounding. Besides the composition itself, the structure of the biomaterial surface is crucial. It mediates contact with the environment and determines how the material will interact with its surroundings (e.g. tissue, cells). One way how to influence the properties of a biomaterial is to make a pattern on its surface. The presented work describes a developed device and a method for preparation new regular polymer structures containing nano/micro fibers and parallel micropatterning.

Electrospinning (ES) is a method for preparation of nano- and micro- fiber substrates. Fibers within this substrate could be highly oriented or arranged in no order. The materials prepared in this way are used, mainly in the form of planar scaffolds, for the determination of the basic principles of interaction between fibrous biomaterials surfaces and adherent cells. A modification of the classical electrospinning is a method called near-field electrospinning (NFES). Unlike ES, this method uses a deposition zone of only few millimeters and thus allows precise surface modification by depositing of parallel micro-sized polymer structures with a high degree of repeatability. Moreover, this method allows controlling more specific parameters such as the width of patterns or their spacing. These parameters could play a significant role in terms of cell behavior.

This work describes a developed device combining both mentioned methods - ES and NFES. The device, respectively a combination of both methods, allowed us preparation of the new regular structures containing nano/micro fibers as a substrate and parallel micropatterning. These "ribs like structures" represent a unique form of surface modification which may significantly influence behavior of a biomaterial and its interaction with its surrounding e.g. cells. Structures could be prepared from a wide range of polymeric materials, that can chemically interact or be inert to each other and thus further influence interaction. Prepared biomaterials can be used in the fields of cell culture, drug release, tissue engineering, and surface modification for biosensors and bioelectronics.