Patterned Electrospinning Collector for Tissue Engineering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrospinning systems for generating fiber constructs in tissue engineering are limited by the random geometry and topography of the constructs produced, which do not adequately recapitulate the complex structures of native tissue stroma, hindering their effectiveness in tissue repair and regeneration.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrospinning system that includes a collector with a conductive pattern on its surface, allowing for the formation of electrospun fiber constructs with specific patterns and increased grammage, achieved by applying an electrostatic charge to the ejection device and directing the polymer solution to form patterned fiber constructs via controlled electrostatic field lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional electrospinning systems are used to generate fiber constructs, then the process is simple and quick, but the geometry and topography are random and cannot adequately recapitulate native tissue stroma structures
Solution Approach 1:
The collector surface is divided into regions with different conductive properties (conductive traces versus non-conductive regions), creating localized variations in electrostatic field strength. This allows different areas of the fiber construct to have different properties (e.g., fiber density, diameter, orientation) to match the heterogeneous structure of native tissue stroma.
Solution Approach 2:
The collector is designed with segmented conductive traces separated by non-conductive regions, dividing the uniform collector surface into distinct functional zones. This segmentation enables control over fiber formation in specific patterns, allowing recapitulation of complex tissue architectures that would be impossible with a uniform collector.
2Shape
If conventional electrospinning is used, then the device complexity is low, but the fiber construct topography is random and lacks the complex layered arrangements of native tissue
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the collector surface have different conductive characteristics, creating localized variations in the electrostatic field. This results in corresponding variations in fiber construct topography, enabling the formation of complex layered arrangements and interstices that mimic native tissue structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional uniform collector surface to a three-dimensional structured collector with varying conductive properties. This dimensional complexity in the collector translates to three-dimensional topographical complexity in the resulting fiber construct, enabling recapitulation of native tissue architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electrospinning systems are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the fiber construct cannot provide the complex three-dimensional porous structures needed for optimal cell function
Solution Approach 1:
The collector's non-uniform conductive pattern creates localized variations in electrostatic field strength, which control fiber formation in specific regions. This enables creation of a heterogeneous fiber construct with varying porosity, interstice sizes, and structural complexity, providing diverse microenvironments that support multiple cell types and functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented design of the collector with conductive traces and non-conductive regions creates a segmented fiber construct structure. This segmentation at the collector level translates to a porous, three-dimensional network with varied pore sizes and configurations, optimizing the construct for cell infiltration, nutrient diffusion, and waste removal across different tissue types.
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 system enables the production of fiber constructs with enhanced grammage and controlled topography, improving their biocompatibility and suitability for applications in tissue engineering, such as engineered tissues, wound dressings, and drug delivery formulations.
Implementation Method 1
applying an electrostatic charge to the ejection device and directing the polymer solution to form patterned fiber constructs via controlled electrostatic field lines
Implementation Method 2
Electrospinning utilizes an applied electrical field to induce an electrical potential between an extruded polymer solution and a grounded collector
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for generating fiber constructs via electrospinning are disclosed herein. The system for generating fiber constructs includes an ejection device and a collector. The collector contains a collection surface with patterns formed by conductive trace(s). The conductive trace(s) is arranged such that the resulting electric field lines are either undisturbed electrostatic field lines or blurred electrostatic field lines aligned around each conductive trace. Methods of generating fiber constructs using the system via electrospinning includes applying an electrostatic charge to the ejection device or a component thereof. The formed fiber construct has a grammage that is at least 5% higher than a grammage of a fiber construct formed on an un-patterned collector under the same conditions. The electrospun fiber constructs may be used for forming engineered tissues or implants, wound dressings, drug delivery formulations, and implant or device coatings.