Processing and microstructural characterization of porous biocompatible protein polymer thin films

Abstract

The process of electrostatic fiber formation, or electrospinning, was used to create biocompatible thin films for use in implantable devices. The morphology of the thin films was found to depend on process parameters including solution concentration, applied electric field strength, deposition distance, and deposition time. The microstructure of the coatings was examined by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (WAXS), with electrospun filaments being weakly oriented along the fiber axis. A shish kebab model for the filament morphology was proposed. The electrospinning process was shown to be a means of creating porous thin films with structural gradients and controlled morphology that could enhance biocompatibility.