Nanofiber structures and methods of use thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrospun nanofiber mats have limited porosity and cellular infiltration due to their dense structure, which restricts oxygen and nutrient transportation and hinders cellular growth and regeneration.
Innovation Solution
The method involves expanding nanofiber structures using subcritical CO2 fluid followed by depressurization to create three-dimensional scaffolds with increased porosity and cellular infiltration, incorporating materials like gelatin and chitosan for enhanced water absorption and therapeutic agents for tissue regeneration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional electrospinning is used to produce nanofiber mats, then nanofiber structures can be formed, but the mats have reduced porosity and limited cellular infiltration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates porous beads as sacrificial templates within the nanofiber mat during electrospinning. After fabrication, these beads are removed through extraction or degradation, leaving behind interconnected porous channels throughout the mat structure. This approach maintains the nanofiber morphology while creating sufficient porosity for cellular infiltration and nutrient transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes porous beads from the nanofiber mat after electrospinning to create void spaces. These extracted beads serve as templates that, when removed, generate the desired porous architecture. The extraction process can involve chemical degradation of sacrificial materials or physical removal methods, resulting in increased porosity without compromising the nanofiber structure.
2Strength
If nanofiber mats are densely packed, then structural integrity is maintained, but oxygen and nutrient transportation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By incorporating porous beads as templates and removing them post-fabrication, the patent creates a hierarchical porous structure within the dense nanofiber mat. This results in interconnected channels that allow oxygen and nutrient diffusion while preserving the overall structural integrity of the nanofiber network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the dense nanofiber mat by introducing void spaces through bead removal. These segmented regions create pathways for mass transport, dividing the continuous dense structure into zones that facilitate both mechanical strength and diffusive transport of oxygen and nutrients.
3Manufacturing precision
If nanofiber mats have small inter-fiber pores, then nanofiber density is maintained, but cellular infiltration is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses porous beads as sacrificial templates to create large interconnected pores within the nanofiber mat. When these beads are removed, they leave macroscopic void spaces that serve as infiltration pathways for cells, allowing them to penetrate deep into the mat while maintaining the nanoscale fiber density that provides structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional surface-level cell attachment model to a three-dimensional infiltration model by creating vertical channels through bead removal. This dimensional change enables cells to move from surface attachment into the bulk of the nanofiber mat, achieving deep cellular infiltration while preserving nanofiber density.
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
This approach results in nanofiber scaffolds with improved porosity and bioactivity, promoting cellular infiltration, neovascularization, and positive host responses, facilitating tissue regeneration and wound healing.
Implementation Method 1
expanding nanofiber structures using subcritical CO2 fluid followed by depressurization
Implementation Method 2
expanding nanofiber structures using subcritical CO2 fluid followed by depressurization
Data Source
AI summary
Expanded, nanofiber structures are provided as well as methods of use thereof and methods of making.