Direct injection of nano fibers and nano fiber composites for biomedical applications

摘要

A process for injecting nanometer-scaled fibers directly into an intended body site of a patient. The process includes the steps of (a) preparing a precursor fluid to the fibers and (b) injecting the precursor fluid into the intended body site under the influence of an electrical field established between two electrodes to produce the nanometer-scaled fibers for forming a reinforcement preform. A polymer is then optionally injected into the intended body site to form a nano fiber-polymer composite structure. The composite structure may contain interconnected macro pores wherein cells can grow and proliferate. This composite scaffold is useful for tissue engineering. The injected nano fibers and composite structure may also be used as a means of controlled drug release or bone reinforcement.