Electrospun Nanofiber Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Regeneration
Abstract
When a bone is too damaged to regenerate on its own, bone grafts are used to facilitate the healing process. However, bone grafts are associated with a variety of potential complications, including tissue rejection. Therefore, developing an affordable synthetic alternative could combat the limitations of bone grafts. Electrospinning is a methodology that applies an electrical charge to a polymer solution, which is then drawn to a collector, creating polymer nanofibers. These fibers can then be built up into three-dimensional scaffolds, which could provide structural support similar to natural bone tissue. Variables, including polymer type, humidity, flow rate, and applied voltage, can affect characteristics of the nanofibers. Characteristics include fiber size, fiber morphology, interfiber spacing, and the overall mechanical strength of the scaffold. This project aims to determine how nanofiber characteristics affect scaffold properties by varying electrospinning parameters. Establishing and optimizing electrospinning protocols will support future research in the biological applications of polymer scaffolds.
Electrospun Nanofiber Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Regeneration
When a bone is too damaged to regenerate on its own, bone grafts are used to facilitate the healing process. However, bone grafts are associated with a variety of potential complications, including tissue rejection. Therefore, developing an affordable synthetic alternative could combat the limitations of bone grafts. Electrospinning is a methodology that applies an electrical charge to a polymer solution, which is then drawn to a collector, creating polymer nanofibers. These fibers can then be built up into three-dimensional scaffolds, which could provide structural support similar to natural bone tissue. Variables, including polymer type, humidity, flow rate, and applied voltage, can affect characteristics of the nanofibers. Characteristics include fiber size, fiber morphology, interfiber spacing, and the overall mechanical strength of the scaffold. This project aims to determine how nanofiber characteristics affect scaffold properties by varying electrospinning parameters. Establishing and optimizing electrospinning protocols will support future research in the biological applications of polymer scaffolds.
