Electrospun Multilayer Preform for Tissue Engineering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electro-spun multilayer preforms for tissue engineering face challenges in optimal cell ingrowth and nutrient diffusion due to non-optimal pore size, and the presence of mammalian cells complicates sterilization and storage.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer preform with pore sizes ranging from 1-300 micrometers for both microfibres and nanofibres, ensuring optimal infiltration of cells and nutrients, and a method of electro-spinning that allows for the production of preforms with specific pore sizes to balance structural stability and cell attachment, without incorporating mammalian cells during production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pore size of microfibres and nanofibres is increased to improve cell ingrowth and nutrient diffusion, then the structural and mechanical stability of the preform deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The preform is divided into multiple layers with alternating microfibres and nanofibres, where each layer type provides different functions. The microfibres provide mechanical strength while the nanofibres facilitate cell ingrowth, resolving the contradiction by segmenting the structure into functional zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the preform have different fiber diameters and pore sizes optimized for specific functions. The nanofibre layers have smaller diameters for cell ingrowth while microfibre layers have larger diameters for mechanical support, applying local quality to different parts of the structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mammalian cells are incorporated into the preform during production to enhance tissue engineering capabilities, then the ease of sterilization and storage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The preform is prepared with optimized pore structures and fiber arrangements before cell incorporation. All manufacturing steps including electro-spinning and layering are completed in advance, allowing the scaffold to be sterilized and stored before cells are added, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
Mammalian cells are excluded from the production process entirely. The preform is manufactured as a cell-free scaffold that can be sterilized and stored easily, with cell incorporation deferred to a later stage when needed, extracting the problematic element from the manufacturing process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The preform achieves excellent cell ingrowth and attachment, facilitating tissue formation while allowing for easy sterilization and storage, and can be used to create three-dimensional prostheses or implants with improved mechanical and structural properties.
Implementation Method 1
applying at least one layer of microfibres and at least one layer of nanofibres, in random order, by means of electro-spinning
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates a multilayer preform obtained by electro-spinning, which preform is suitable as a scaffold for a prosthesis, which preform comprises at least one layer of microfibers and at least one layer of nanofibers, wherein the pore size of the at least one layer of microfibers is in the range of 1-300 micrometer and in that the pore size of the at least one layer of nanofibers is in the range of 1-300 micrometer. The present invention also relates to a method of producing said preform. The present invention also relates to the use of the present preform as a substrate for growing human or animal tissue thereon. The present invention furthermore relates to a method for growing human or animal tissue on a substrate, wherein the present preform is used as the substrate.