Fabrication of Multiscale Polymeric Fibres for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

AbstractIn the recent years, multiscale fibres have gained widespread attention for use in diverse biomedical applications. With the technological advancements in electrospinning technique, the dimensions of the multiscale fibres can be tailored to match the desired requirements of the target tissues and organs. These fibres combining the unique properties of nano- and microfibres can be fabricated using several techniques. The engineered multiscale fibrous scaffolds are being utilised to deliver growth factors and cells of interest, thereby, aid in tissue regeneration. The elastic modulus of the multiscale fibrous scaffolds can be enhanced by introducing biomaterials like multilayer carbon nanotubes (MCNT), nanoclay, nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAp), and graphene oxide (GO). Moreover, studies on bone, cartilage, cardiovascular and liver tissue engineering have revealed that the multiscale fibrous scaffolds are capable of restoring the microarchitecture of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The current chapter focuses on some of the fabrication techniques which include coaxial, emulsion & co-electrospinning, edge electrospinning, gap electrospinning, 3D jet writing, and caged collector electrospinning & moving spinneret. Further, the application of multiscale fibrous scaffolds with respect to bone, cartilage, cardiovascular, liver, neural, skin and tendon tissue engineering has been discussed.KeywordsMultiscale fibresMicrofibresCardiovascular tissue engineeringECM mimickingFibrous scaffolds