Synthesis and Characterization of Electrospun Polyvinylidene Fluoride-based (PVDF) Scaffolds for Renal Bioengineering

Abstract

With the continuous search for alternative treatment for End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), the use of synthetic scaffolds as a prospect is becoming a forefront in regenerative medicine. This study aimed to fabricate and evaluate the effects of varying electrospinning parameters (the applied voltage, spinning distance and flowrate) to the fiber diameter and pore size of the scaffolds produced using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Electrospun scaffolds were subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and strain apparatus to assess structural and tensile properties. Results showed that applied voltage, spinning distance, and flowrate directly affect the overall pore size and fiber diameter of the electrospun scaffolds, as well as resulting in a direct effect to the tensile strength of the electrospun scaffold. The optimal values for the parameters in fabricating a PVDF electrospun scaffold would be a voltage of 20kV, a spinning distance of 100mm and a flowrate of 0.5ml/h. Results also show that spinning distance and flowrate have statistically more impact on the outcome of the fiber diameters, while applied voltage and spinning have statistically more impact on the outcome of the pore sizes. Moreover, the electrospun scaffolds acquired thinner fiber diameters and smaller pores sizes when compared to that of the native kidney tissue. Nonetheless, the promising mechanical integrity of the electrospun PVDF-based scaffolds offer a potential approach to addressing ESRD.