Combined electrostatic and air driven electrospinning for biomedical applications

Abstract

Micro-to-nanoscale polymer fiber mats have shown promise across many fields of research, especially in biomedical applications. Electrospinning (ES) is one popular technique used to create high surface-area-to-volume polymer fiber mats. In this work, a portable electrospinning device that utilizes the combined capabilities of electrostatic and air driven technologies was developed for use in biomedical applications. Unlike existing portable electrospinning devices, the combined electrostatic and air driven (EStAD) system contains a completely enclosed electric field, allowing safe and predictable deposition onto flat as well as complex surfaces. Such features also prevent damage to electrospun materials during deposition. Here, biomedically relevant electrospun materials were made using the EStAD device to demonstrate feasibility as compared to a traditional table-top electrospinner that has produced such materials in the past. Results showed successful deposition and use of antibacterial and biomedically relevant nanoparticle release fiber bandages. The versatile nature of the EStAD device will allow the deposition of these materials safely and predictably on charged and uncharged surfaces that are flat or complex, further broadening the applications of ES and providing ease of access to nanomanufacturing of electrospun materials.