Nanofiber Microspheres via Electrospinning Electrospraying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fabricating nanofiber microspheres are limited by polymer chemistry and composition, making it difficult to achieve uniform-sized microspheres with controllable porosity and functionality for drug delivery and tissue regeneration.
Innovation Solution
A method combining electrospinning and electrospraying is used to fabricate nanofiber microspheres, allowing for the production of various morphologies and compositions independent of polymer chemistry, using electrospun nanofiber segments that are crosslinked and thermally treated, and can include therapeutic agents, cells, or tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional microsphere fabrication methods are used, then microspheres can be produced, but uniform size and controllable porosity are difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes physical parameters (electrospraying voltage, flow rate, collection distance) to precisely control microsphere size and porosity. By adjusting these parameters, uniform microspheres with controlled pore structures can be fabricated without complex multi-step processes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes phase transition of the polymer solution during electrospraying, where the solution transitions from liquid jet to solidified microsphere upon contact with the collection surface. This phase transition enables precise size control and porosity formation through parameter optimization
2Adaptability or versatility
If polymer chemistry-specific methods are used, then nanofiber microspheres can be fabricated, but the method is limited to specific polymer compositions
Solution Approach 1:
The electrospraying method serves as a universal fabrication approach that can process various polymer compositions (natural polymers like gelatin and chitosan, synthetic polymers like PLGA and PCL) without requiring chemistry-specific procedures. The same equipment and parameter ranges work across different material systems
Solution Approach 2:
By adjusting electrospraying parameters (voltage, flow rate, distance) based on polymer properties, the method maintains morphology control versatility across different polymer compositions, enabling uniform microspheres regardless of material type
3Device complexity
If solid microspheres are used, then simple structure is achieved, but cell carrier efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates porous nanofiber microspheres that maintain structural simplicity while dramatically improving cell carrier efficiency. The porous structure provides increased surface area and internal volume for cell attachment and nutrient transport, enhancing biological performance without complex multi-component construction
4Reliability
If 3D porous scaffolds are used, then tissue regeneration capability is improved, but minimally invasive injection is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the 3D scaffold structure into microsphere-sized units that can be injected minimally invasively. Each microsphere contains nanofiber structures that provide tissue regeneration capability, combining the benefits of injectability with 3D scaffold functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention nests nanofiber structures within microsphere shells, creating a hierarchical structure where the outer microsphere enables injection while the inner nanofiber network provides tissue regeneration. This nested design integrates multiple functions across different scales
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 method enables the production of injectable nanofiber microspheres with improved cell carrier efficiency, promoting tissue regeneration and drug delivery, and can form microtissue-like structures in situ, enhancing wound healing and tissue regeneration.
Implementation Method 1
electrospinning and electrospraying is used to fabricate nanofiber microspheres
Implementation Method 2
electrospinning and electrospraying is used to fabricate nanofiber microspheres
Implementation Method 3
using electrospun nanofiber segments that are crosslinked and thermally treated
Implementation Method 4
using electrospun nanofiber segments that are crosslinked and thermally treated
Data Source
AI summary
Nanofiber segments and nanofiber microspheres are provided as well as methods of use thereof and methods of making.