Textile Weaving Research Articles

Enhancing energy efficiency in power looms: utilizing regression machine learning for electrokinetic energy assessment

This study focuses on optimizing electro-kinetic energy utilization in textile weaving units, addressing power interruptions, reducing electrical costs, and harnessing latent kinetic energy during the weaving process. Power looms, vital to textile production, often incur inefficiencies and increased operational costs due to underutilized kinetic energy. To address these challenges, three innovative electrokinetic energy harvesting approaches are proposed: the Modified Series-Parallel Piezo Matrix, bi-directional linear generation, and uni-directional non-linear power extraction methods. The research further incorporates the Super Lift and Ultra Lift DC-DC power conversion techniques to enhance energy efficiency. The Modified Series-Parallel Piezo Array integrates Piezoelectric elements to capture and convert discarded kinetic energy efficiently. The bi-directional linear generation method captures mechanical energy from both forward and backward movements in weaving, minimizing energy wastage. The uni-directional non-linear power extraction method optimizes energy recovery by targeting specific weaving cycle phases. Machine learning algorithms, including Gaussian Process Regression, Linear Regression, Neural Network, and Support Vector Machine, enable precise energy estimation for meticulous modeling and optimization. Rigorous validation through MATLAB simulations aims to bolster energy efficiency, trim operational costs, and promote sustainable energy practices in the textile industry, contributing to a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future for the sector.

A systematic review of the socio-cultural and economic value of Ghanaian weaving art tradition

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the value of Ghanaian weaving art tradition to humanity from socio-cultural and economic points of view. This study sought to answer questions such as “What is the interest of researchers regarding Ghanaian textile weaving art tradition?”, “To what extent has weaving art tradition projected the Ghanaian culture?” and “What is the socio-economic value of Ghanaian weaving art tradition?” Design/methodology/approach The systematic literature review approach was used to analyse data obtained from the Scopus online database. The PRISMA framework was adopted to select 22 relevant studies for analysis and conclusions. Also, the VOSviewer software was used to analyse and understand the co-occurrence of keywords. Findings It was revealed that Ghanaian weaving art tradition stands as a major craft that projects Ghana globally. Researchers around the world keep adding knowledge on Ghanaian traditional weaving and its value to humanity, resulting in a significant rise recently in the publication trend. Also, the rich cloth from the art is celebrated annually to invite people around the globe to learn the Ghanaian culture for social development. This study again found that traditional weaving serves as a major source of income for weavers and marketers of indigenous Ghanaian woven fabrics. Practical implications The findings of this study serve as a wake-up call to the Government of Ghana, institutional actors and national leaders to practically engage in the projection of the local art by playing individual roles such as financially supporting the craftsmen, initiating and implementing appropriate policies and displaying the local cloth on international occasions. This will make the local art more attractive for effective marketing and cultural preservation. Originality/value With reliable information extracted from the Scopus online database, this study presents original results and makes appropriate suggestions worth adopting for the improvement of the Ghanaian weaving art tradition.

Integration of Concepts for the Learning Process of Textile Weaving at Lan Khoi Village, Phatthalung Province, Thailand

This research seeks to study (i) the local wisdom about the textile weaving production at Lan Khoi village and (ii) the pattern of integrating learning concepts and transferring knowledge in weaving at Lan Khoi village. Data from documents and fieldwork were analyzed and presented through descriptive analysis. The results indicated that the local knowledge about textile weaving at Lan Khoi village reveals that it encompasses a body of knowledge, capabilities, experiences, and traditions. The textiles and patterns found are predominantly hand-woven cotton with distinct patterns. Notably, there exists a design pattern rooted in tradition that has been handed down through generations. As the research revolved around teaching and learning, twenty participants were engaged in the weaving process to acquire weaving skills. The results also showed that the model for learning concepts to transfer knowledge about textile weaving in Lan Khoi village employs three key concepts: (1) crafting and utilizing a diverse range of products that cater to consumers’ needs and preferences, ensuring suitability for use, (2) enhancing value through product development by drawing on ideas and local knowledge to assist in weaving and pattern design during the product creation phase, and (3) facilitating product entry into the commercial market by establishing business networks, including collaboration with fellow entrepreneurs and leveraging online media for advertising. In summary, knowledge transfer serves as a means of preserving cultural wisdom, while learning the creative economy concept entails designing products that fulfill consumer needs, thereby adding value to the products and generating increased income for the community.

The Status of Islamic Art and Architecture in the Ghaznavid Era

The Ghaznavids (1206-962 AD), a Turkic dynasty that ruled vast parts of eastern Iran, are named after their capital and the formation of their state in Ghazna (Ghaznin/Ghazni, located in present-day Afghanistan). After Sebüktigin (ruled 996-977 AD), the primary founder of the Ghaznavid state, his son Mahmud (ruled 1030-997 AD), who, by defeating the last Samanid ruler and conquering Sistan, Turkestan, Khwarazm, Makran, Sistan, and Kerman, elevated the state to its peak of glory. The Abbasid caliph al-Qadir (caliphate 1031-991 AD) confirmed his rule and granted him the title "Yamin al-Dawla." Mahmud’s victorious campaigns in India brought him immense wealth, power, and prestige and contributed to the spread of Islam and the flourishing of the Persian language in the Indian subcontinent. Due to factors such as the Ghaznavid rulers' religious zeal, the dominance of Sunni schools of thought—particularly the Hanafi school—and the prevalence of Ash'ari thought, along with the patronage of the Abbasid caliphate and the flourishing of Sufism, Islamic sciences such as jurisprudence, Hadith studies, Qur'anic knowledge, and literary sciences experienced significant growth. In the religious sphere, non-Sunni sects and religions, such as the Shiites, did not enjoy favorable conditions. Architecture and arts such as goldsmithing, inlaying, and the production of exquisite metalware, as well as industries like textile weaving and carpet making, saw remarkable progress during the Ghaznavid era.

Käsikirjaliste mustrivihikute tähtsus kangakudumise mustrite levimise ajaloos / The historical importance of weaving pattern books

The late 19th century can be considered a transformative period in the history of Estonian textile weaving, during which the weaving of art fabrics onso-called Finnish looms became increasingly widespread. From this period onwards, an increasing amount of Estonian women started to study weaving in Finland, and Finnish women were invited to Estonia to teach.
 The article describes, based on various surviving sources, the spread of weaving patterns in Estonia and the functioning of various weaving courses and schools during this time period. It also provides an overview of the weaving pattern books, which were prevalent in Estonia until the first decades of the 20th century, based on samples preserved in museums and private collections.
 Pattern looms, also known as countermarch looms, Finnish looms, and sometimes also “artisan weavers’ looms”, were expensive and seemed complicated to an average weaver. Therefore, by the end of the 19th century, these types of looms were not yet widely prevalent in Estonian peasant households. They only started to become common during the early years of the independent Republic of Estonia, and it was soon a matter of honor to have Finnish looms in the house.
 With the establishment of weaving schools and the spread of various courses in the late 19th century, new patterns from Europe reached Estonian households. Countermarch looms that arrived via Finland offered more opportunities for weaving different textile surfaces. Also, it was possible to weave wider fabrics on these looms compared to simple looms that had been used in farmsteads earlier.
 The development of weaving pattern books and textbooks in time shows how the spread of more complex looms into homes went hand in hand with the emergence and popularity of women’s handicraft schools. The industrial revolution that altered the previously established modes of production from the end of the 18th century to the beginning of the 19th century did bring more affordable factory products to homes. The national awakening in turn created a situation where the promotion of handicrafts was back on the social agenda.
 The industrial revolution, new trade relations, and the intensification of cultural exchange with neighbouring countries provided Estonian women with the opportunity to improve their position in society. From the beginning of the 20th century, cultural and educational interactions that had begun at the end of the previous century between educated and progressive women and women’s organisations became even more frequent.
 Keywords: weaving on loom, women’s crafts, housekeeping education, weaving pattern books, textile artisans

INTEGRATING UPCYCLING APPROACH USING AN INDIGENOUS TEXTILE WEAVING CRAFT

This research study examines how upcycling is applied and the techniques for creating clothing in mass production, and it shows how upcycling may be a successful strategy for cutting down on textile waste. Businesses may lessen their impact on the environment and boost their bottom lines by recycling leftovers and decreasing waste in addition to minimizing their environmental impact. The study demonstrates that the quantity of trash produced varies depending on the size of the facility and the residual material kinds, and that some leftover material types can be recycled up to 80% of the time. The report also underscores the significance of transparency in comprehending and managing textile waste, and it draws attention to the fact that upcycling design is distinct from traditional design in that it depends on the properties of the waste materials. The project is situated in the Indian region of Jaipur and aims to improve weaving techniques. This paper outlines a strategy for incorporating upcycling into a traditional textile weaving technique. The study focuses on combining conventional weaving methods with cutting-edge design components to produce distinctive and sustainable items from waste materials. The process involves gathering and choosing waste materials, creating new things from scratch, and prototyping them, and assessing their commercial feasibility and cultural relevance. The findings of this study show that upcycling can be incorporated into indigenous textile weaving skills to preserve cultural heritage and encourage ecological practices. The findings emphasize the significance of considering both economic viability and cultural significance when developing upcycling projects, as well as the possibility for such initiatives to help preserve and revive conventional weaving techniques.

Development of the Abnormal Tension Pattern Recognition Module for Twisted Yarn Based on Deep Learning Edge Computing

This study aims to develop an artificial intelligence module for recognizing abnormal tension in textile weaving, The module can be used to address the time-consuming and inaccurate issues associated with traditional manual methods. Long short-term memory (LSTM) recurrent neural networks as the algorithm for identifying different types of abnormal tension are employed in this module. This study focuses on training and validating the model using five common patterns. Additionally, an approach involving the integration of plug-in modules and edge computing in deep learning is employed to achieve the research objectives without altering the original system architecture. Multiple experiments were conducted to search for the optimal model parameters. According to the experimental results, the average recognition rate for abnormal tension is 97.12%, with an average computation time of 46.2 milliseconds per sample. The results indicate that the recognition accuracy and computation time meet the practical performance requirements of the system.

Mass‐Producible 3D Hair Structure‐Editable Silk‐Based Electronic Skin for Multiscenario Signal Monitoring and Emergency Alarming System

AbstractStructurally tunable electronic skin (e‐skin) is beneficial for advancing wearable electronics, prosthetics, and human‐machine interaction (HMI). However, the regulation of e‐skin by traditional nanostructure technology is complex and expensive, moreover, the nanostructure's poor deformability leads to small detection range and low sensitivity. Herein, inspired by the structure of skin‐hair and insect burr, a polypyrrole‐silk/glycerol plasticized silk fibroin (P‐silk/RG) e‐skin fabricated by a simple 3D biomimetic structural strategy is reported. Benefitting from the editability (length, position) of this structure, P‐silk/RG has a signal selectivity, long‐cilia P‐silk/RG demonstrates high sensitivity (respond to weak signal‐airflow), while the short‐cilia P‐silk/RG exhibits wide pressure detection range (0.5–200 g) and high cycle stability (8000 compressions). Therefore, different forms of P‐silk/RG are used in different scenarios (long‐cilia for monitoring breathing and coughing for motion detection and disease diagnosis, short‐cilia for pressure‐sensitive Morse code). Besides, P‐silk/RG exhibits good waterproof, editable conductive points and easy device integration, providing the basis for underwater information transmission, multibit coded command output, and early warning for emergency sports accidents and sedentary. Surprisingly, combining this structure with textile weaving can be mass‐produced. Obviously, this 3D biomimetic structure strategy endows e‐skin with editability and improved scene adaptability to provide a favorable way for mass production.

Transmuting Trauma and ‘Alchemiz[ing] Inherited Wounds’: iele paloumpis’s disabled, diasporic choreographies of care

In the programme notes for the premiere of In place of catastrophe, a clear night sky at Danspace Project in May 2022, choreographer iele paloumpis asks, ‘What vitality allowed our ancestors to survive generations of trauma, and what wisdoms have been passed down to us?’ Moving with and through grief surrounding various connected histories of violence, paloumpis and collaborators simultaneously find modes of tuning into various connected histories of resilience. This essay explores how paloumpis and collaborators collectively tap into disability and diaspora to transform intergenerational trauma into knowledge, power and more livable forms of relationality. Through overlapping practices of textile weaving, interdisciplinary somatic practices, audio description and sculpture, the piece enacts multisensorial choreographies of care that allow for alchemical grief processes to unfold between human performers themselves, between performers and non-human materials, and between performers and audience members. Approaching choreographic practices as care practices and care practices as choreographic practices, I use the phrase ‘choreographies of care' to refer to disabled, diasporic relationalities in performance. My engagement with these relationalities takes cues from Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha's conceptions of ‘care webs' (2018), Édouard Glissant's theories of ‘Relation' and ‘opacity' (1997) and Alice Sheppard's discussions of care as an ‘anchor point' of disability culture in performance contexts (2021). A certified end-of-life doula and grief worker, paloumpis carves out room for shared mourning on their own terms through a process of what they call ‘alchemiz[ing] inherited wounds into collective care’ (2022b). In this article, I will attend to some of the ways in which paloumpis and collaborators move through this alchemical transmutation of trauma by weaving across differing but connected experiences of disability, chronic illness and diaspora.

Dynamic prediction model of segmented combined electromagnetic launch weft insertion for super-wide width industrial fabrics

Stable, reliable and high-speed weft insertion is an urgent challenge for high-speed industrial textile weaving devices. More stable and large electromagnetic forces can be provided by the segmented combined electromagnetic launch weft insertion, compared to the conventional electromagnetic launch weft insertion, which facilitates the realization of high-speed weft insertion. For digital electromagnetic launch weft insertion textile devices, it is necessary to respond quickly to the signals fed back by the sensors. Therefore, a fast and high-precision dynamical model capable of characterizing the kinematic properties of the weft inserter is extremely essential for control, which is conducive to the stable and reliable operation of the device. In this paper, we consider the electromagnetic force, weft yarn tension, air resistance, pipe wall friction, and gravity during the movement of the weft inserter, and establish a dynamic prediction model of segmented combined electromagnetic launch weft insertion (DPMSCEI) for control. Combining simulations and experiments to evaluate the performance of DPMSCEI validates the effectiveness and professionalism of DPMSCEI in solving electromagnetic weft insertion dynamics.

Scalable and flexible biomass-based porous Juncus effusus fabric for high-efficient solar interfacial evaporation

Biomass porous materials have special structural properties that serve as solar interfacial evaporators. However, the integrated flexible design of porous materials for vapor generation is a problem. In this study, a novel textile weaving craft was proposed to fabricate a scalable, flexible, and stable solar vapor generator using a natural biomass porous plant (Juncus effusus, JE fibers). The high porosity, reflection, and refraction paths of light in the pore structure of JE fibers help improve water vapor escape and light absorption. Additionally, the designed bridge-like porous Juncus effusus-cotton yarn fabric (JECYF)-based solar vapor generator can achieve efficient thermal management, which can enhance the photothermal conversion efficiency of evaporation. After acquiring a light absorption modification treatment, the JECYF-based solar vapor generator obtained a significant photothermal performance of 2.42 kg m−2h−1 under 1 sun irradiation. Thus, textile weaving technology’s unique properties make large-scale preparation and practical application of porous materials in solar vapor evaporator devices possible.

A simple, quick, and cost-effective strategy to fabricate polycaprolactone/silk fibroin nanofiber yarns for biotextile-based tissue scaffold application

The design and development of nanofibrous biotextiles have aroused much interest in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, because they not only possess inherent textile structure and pattern, but also maintain attractive nanofibrous features. In this study, a simple, quick, and cost-effective strategy by combining conventional electrospinning technique with hand winding and stretching post-treatment was reported to manufacture nanofiber-constructed yarns (NYs). Polycaprolactone (PCL) and silk fibroin (SF) with different mass ratios were successfully processed into NYs, demonstrating the feasibility of our innovative NY-forming method. The as-generated PCL only and different PCL/SF NYs exhibited aligned nanofibrous morphology, and the nanofiber diameter was found to present obviously increased trend with increasing the SF content. The PCL/SF NYs showed significantly decreased ultimate strength, but increased Young’s modulus and failure to strain compared with the PCL NY. The PCL NY and two different PCL/SF NYs were further processed into nanofibrous textiles via the traditional textile weaving technique. The increasing of SF content was found to significantly improve the surface hydrophilicity and wettability of obtained woven nano-fabrics. The in vitro cell characterization displayed that the cells could sense the nanofibrous morphology and orientation of NYs, and further responded and re-shaped their morphology. The introduction of SF could notably promote the cell growth and proliferation. The in vivo subcutaneous embedding test showed that the autologous cells could penetrate into the porous structure of NY-based woven textiles, and increasing the SF content could apparently decrease the foreign body reaction and fibrosis of woven nano-fabrics. The present study provided a simple and feasible method that could be even performed in a common lab to fabricate PCL/SF NYs and NY-based biotextiles, and also demonstrated their great potential for the tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.

Promoting traditional ikat textiles: ethnographic perspectives on indigenous knowledge, cultural heritage preservation and ethnic identity

Purpose This study aims to explore how indigenous knowledge, cultural heritage preservation and ethnic identity influence the production of traditional ikat textiles in northeast Thailand. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research method used an ethnographic perspective with a realistic design. Purposive sampling was used to conduct 30 in-depth ethnographic interviews with members of Phu Thai ikat textile groups in Kalasin province. Interview transcripts were studied using thick descriptive analysis (themes, categorisation, coding and keywords). Findings The ethnographic study shows that natural dyeing, traditional crafts, materials, designs and patterns are used in Phu Thai ikat textile weaving. The results reveal that indigenous knowledge, cultural heritage preservation and ethnic identity are relevant to traditional ikat textiles. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study uniquely focuses on a deeper theoretical understanding of indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage preservation, to sustain traditional ikat textiles.

Applying Job Shop Scheduling to SMEs Manufacturing Platform to Revitalize B2B Relationship

A small and medium enterprises (SMEs) manufacturing platform aims to perform as a significant revenue to SMEs and vendors by providing scheduling and monitoring capabilities. The optimal job shop scheduling is generated by utilizing the scheduling system of the platform, and a minimum production time, i.e., makespan decides whether the scheduling is optimal or not. This scheduling result allows manufacturers to achieve high productivity, energy savings, and customer satisfaction. Manufacturing in Industry 4.0 requires dynamic, uncertain, complex production environments, and customer-centered services. This paper proposes a novel method for solving the difficulties of the SMEs manufacturing by applying and implementing the job shop scheduling system on a SMEs manufacturing platform. The primary purpose of the SMEs manufacturing platform is to improve the B2B relationship between manufacturing companies and vendors. The platform also serves qualified and satisfactory production opportunities for buyers and producers by meeting two key factors: early delivery date and fulfillment of processing as many orders as possible. The genetic algorithm (GA)-based scheduling method results indicated that the proposed platform enables SME manufacturers to obtain optimized schedules by solving the job shop scheduling problem (JSSP) by comparing with the real-world data from a textile weaving factory in South Korea. The proposed platform will provide producers with an optimal production schedule, introduce new producers to buyers, and eventually foster relationships and mutual economic interests.

Textile Weaving (Aṣọ-Òkè) at Ologbin-Adewole Northern Yorubaland, Nigeria

This research investigates traditional textile weaving among the people of Ologbin-Adewole in Ilorin, Nigeria. This traditional craft is one of the ancient crafts that gave Ologbin-Adewole recognition among other communities in Ilorin. Over the years, this indigenous thriving industry has dwindled both in production and skilled workers. The decline has been partly associated with the influence of westernization through the importation of European goods. This paper presents processes of textile production in Ologbin-Adewole as well as examines changes in the craft over time based on oral history and ethnographic records. This is aimed at documenting this important African art and preventing it from becoming a part of Africa’s past. The paper concludes by bringing to limelight the significance of this indigenous craft of textile weaving among the people of Ologbin-Adewole.

Creating sensuous experiences: Combining dichroic filters and textile weaving to create aesthetic spatial installations

AbstractEven though color is frequently used in the design of textiles and spaces, research into the use of color in more innovative ways has been uncommon in relation to textile practice. This may be due to a lack of exploration of nontextile materials such as dichroic filters and their design possibilities, which not only produce colors in novel and environmentally friendly ways but also influence space by creating physical and emotional experiences. Dichroic filters are an interesting design material regarding their ability to create surfaces that change color when activated by light and when viewed from different angles and can also influence surrounding space by coloring it. This research project aims to explore the design potential of combining dichroic filters and textile weaving techniques to create textile installations that influence space and create sensuous experiences. The research project resulted in a series of textile installations wherein dichroic filters changed the expression of textile surfaces and/or influenced the installation space. The installations visually reveal a poetic relationship between the craftsmanship of textiles and light, colors, the viewer, space, and our senses. They also highlight the performative property of textiles that influence space and have the power to create sensuous experiences.

A Variationist Sociolinguistics Study of Ewe Kente at Agortime Traditional Area in the Volta Region

The proud kente cloth has knowledge and cultural heritage which has ceremonial, symbolic and authority about the wearer that is best known and mostly widely recognized of all textiles in Africa. Its unique features are wide and invokes powerful emotions as well as symbolizes the fundamental nonverbal codes ever imagined in Ghana which cuts across religion, ethnicity and instill national pride. The purpose of the study was to establish the unique message kente possesses and communicates to society as well as its status. Most of the existing writers center on textile weaving, tools and techniques in textile weaving and the aesthetic nature of kente. Though these writings are important contributions to kente, its nonverbal communicative codes have not been well documented. The adoption of the kente among Agortime-Kpetoe weavers was primarily influenced by sensory experience, fit, and interpersonal impact, which serves as an example of how several parts of the kente clothing are interconnected. The sociolinguistic theory is used as a theoretical lens in this work as well. The study made use of qualitative data for its purpose. 15 people were chosen to take part in the study using purposive sampling methods. Participants included kente cloth consumers and weavers. Data for the study was collected using an interviewing guide. Present the study’s findings before you conclude. The study finds that the Agotime Kente mostly use non-verbal codes to communicate. The study's conclusions showed that while most modern kente cloths do not communicate, certain distinctive ones do, particularly those that are currently being woven. These include clothes that express concepts of religion, rivalry, position, authority, and royalty to the user. This supports the belief of the Agotime society that non-verbal codes are more reliable and plausible for expressing royalty, authority, status, and communication between people. Keywords: Ewe kente, Symbols, Sociolinguistics, Communication, Agortime-Kpetoe

Motifs of Iranun Siambitan Weaving in Sabah

Textile weaving is a prominent activity among Iranun women. There is a lack of research on Iranun siambitan weaving motifs. The objective of this paper is to highlight the motifs in the weaving and its underlying meaning. Data was obtained through observation and interview. The researcher will use Ferdinand de Saussure theory on sign and symbol to analyze the outcome. The outcome is categorized into three areas, flora, fauna and geometric motifs. The conclusion of this paper aims to bring awareness, importance and value of the siambitan weaving as a piece of evidence of the Iranun people’s cultural heritage. Keywords: Motifs; Iranun; Siambitan; Weaving eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7iSI7%20(Special%20Issue).3792

A dynamic weaving simulator for filament-level 3D woven fabric modelling

A dynamic textile weaving simulator is established to connect weaving actions to fabric patterns and microstructures. It utilizes the Digital Element Approach (DEA) under the framework of the software package Digital Fabric and Composite Analyser (DFCA). The key components of a Jacquard loom are explicitly modelled utilising the ‘hole/no hole’ principle. Yarn interlacing motion is guided by weaving matrix specified by steps. Shedding, weft insertion, beat-up, and take-up actions are modelled and explained. The inter-fibre contact force, fibre forces (tensile, shear, and bending), and boundary conditions in the weft direction are considered. The weaving process of five cells in the warp direction of a 10-layer 3D orthogonal woven fabric is simulated at the filament level to derive for its microstructure. The results show that the fabric microstructure continues to change after being woven, and the thickness and length of each individual cell decrease with further weaving steps. The microstructures of newly woven cells converge after the weaving of two further cells in the lengthwise direction. The microstructure of the second cell closely matches that of an actual weaved fabric, as evaluated by microscopy images. Penetration occurs between adjacent weft yarns in the same column, which fundamentally changes their microstructure, composition, and material properties. Parametric studies show that the ratio of binder to warp yarn tension determines the fabric thickness. Increases in the take-up length and binder yarn tension lead to a decrease and increase in the reed tension, respectively. This work provides valuable insights into fabric design and manufacture instruction.

A collagen/PLA hybrid scaffold supports tendon-derived cell growth for tendon repair and regeneration.

A rotator cuff tendon tear is a common shoulder injury with a relatively high rate of recurrence after surgical repair. In order to reinforce the repair and reduce the risk of clinical complications, a patch scaffold is typically sutured over the tendon tear to provide post-surgical mechanical support. However, despite considerable research effort in this area, a patch scaffold that provides both superior initial mechanical properties and supports cell proliferation at the same time has not yet been achieved. In this study, we engineered a collagen/poly(lactic acid) (COL/PLA) hybrid yarn to leverage mechanical strength of PLA yarn and the bioactivity of collagen. The COL/PLA yarns were used to fabricate a tissue engineering scaffold using textile weaving technology. This hybrid scaffold had a tensile strength of 354.0 ± 36.0N under dry conditions and 267.2 ± 15.9N under wet conditions, which was satisfactory to maintain normal tendon function. By introducing COL yarns into the hybrid scaffold, the proliferation of tendon-derived cells was significantly improved on the scaffold. Cell coverage after 28-days of in vitro cell culture was noticeably higher on the COL yarns compared to the PLA yarns as a result of a larger number of cells and more spread cell morphology on collagen. Cells spread in multiple directions on COL yarns, which resembled a more natural cell attachment on extracellular matrix. On the contrary, the cells attached to the PLA filaments presented an elongated morphology along the fiber's axial direction. Combining the mechanical robustness of PLA and the biological activity of collagen, the woven COL/PLA hybrid scaffold has shown its potential to be a promising candidate for tendon repair applications.