Rotating Dual Electrode System for Aligned Nanofiber Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods of electrospinning for creating highly aligned nanofiber scaffolds face challenges in achieving both high alignment and extended length without resulting in large fiber diameters, limiting their application in tissue engineering where precise nanotopography and biodegradability are crucial.

Innovation Solution

A novel electrospinning method using a rotating dual electrode system with a single folded aluminum foil collector, ensuring even charge distribution and rotational force for linear nanofiber formation, allowing for enhanced alignment and extended fiber length while maintaining controlled fiber diameter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional electrospinning methods are used to create highly aligned nanofiber scaffolds, then fiber alignment is improved, but fiber length is limited and fiber diameter increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber alignmentVSAvoidfiber length
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a rotating collector in the electrospinning system. The collector rotates during the electrospinning process, which dynamically changes the deposition angle and allows fibers to be laid down in a more extended, aligned manner over longer distances. This rotational motion enables the production of nanofibers with both high alignment and extended length, resolving the contradiction between fiber alignment and fiber length that plagues conventional static electrospinning methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional electrospinning methods are used to create highly aligned nanofiber scaffolds, then fiber alignment is improved, but fiber diameter becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber alignmentVSAvoidfiber diameter
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating collector creates dynamic deposition conditions that allow for better control of fiber formation. The rotation enables the jet to be stretched more effectively during deposition, maintaining nanoscale diameter even as alignment and length are improved. This resolves the contradiction where conventional methods that achieve alignment tend to produce thicker fibers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Length of moving object

If extended fiber length is achieved in electrospinning, then scaffold length is improved, but fiber alignment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescaffold lengthVSAvoidfiber alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating collector simultaneously achieves both extended scaffold length and high fiber alignment through its rotational motion. As the collector rotates, it continuously presents new deposition surfaces at optimal angles, allowing the electrospun jet to deposit aligned fibers over extended lengths without the alignment deteriorating, which resolves this technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Manufacturing precision

If controlled fiber diameter is maintained, then nanotopography precision is improved, but production efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenanotopography precisionVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating collector enhances production efficiency while maintaining controlled fiber diameter through continuous rotation and deposition. The dynamic system allows for faster deposition rates compared to static methods, as the rotation enables continuous fiber laying without the need for frequent adjustments or interruptions, thus improving productivity while preserving nanotopography precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 produces highly aligned nanofibers with consistent angular distribution and controlled diameters, suitable for simulating in vivo conditions, promoting cellular alignment and differentiation, and potentially reducing the need for costly growth factors in tissue engineering applications.

Implementation Method 1

electrospinning method using a rotating dual electrode system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic force: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

electrostatic potential stretches such solution unidirectionally as it solidifies

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic stretching: Electrostatic Induction

Implementation Method 3

rotational force for linear nanofiber formation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 4

application of high voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 5

electrostatic potential stretches such solution unidirectionally

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrophoresis: Electrophoresis

Data Source

PatentUS10589451B2Methods of making three dimensional structures having aligned nanofibers and the resulting structures produced by such methods
Publication Date: 2020.03.17 NEW YORK UNIV
  • US10589451B2 patent drawing
  • US10589451B2 patent drawing
  • US10589451B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Apparatus for producing a three dimensional nanofiber structure includes (1) at least two spaced electrodes; (2) a spinner adapted to rotate the at least two spaced electrodes; (3) a syringe assembly adapted to eject a polymer solution from a syringe of the syringe assembly towards the at least two spaced electrodes while the at least two spaced electrodes are rotated by the spinner; and (4) a power supply assembly for providing the two spaced electrodes at a first electric potential, and for providing the syringe at a second electric potential which is different from the first electric potential. A composition of matter may include (1) a least one layer of nanofibers in which a distribution of angles of fibers is “aligned;” and (2) at least one gel layer, wherein the at least one layer of microfibers and the at least one gel layer alternate to form a laminate.