METHODS AND DEVICES FOR MAKING NANOFIBERS AND NANOFIBER SCAFFOLDS

摘要

Provided are methods for forming single filament nanofibers, methods for forming 3D nanofiber scaffolds, apparatus for forming nanofibers and nanofiber scaffolds, and nanofiber cell culture scaffolds formed using the methods and devices. Single filament nanofibers (having a diameter of about 50 nm-100 μm) can be formed by gravitational drawing by dispensing a droplet of a polymer solution from a nozzle such that the droplet free falls from the nozzle onto a base, causing the polymer solution to be drawn into a fluid tail. Nanofiber scaffolds can be built by forming and collecting single filament nanofibers in an ordered manner on a collection frame to form 2D arrays that can then be stacked. The spacing and alignment of individual fibers is precisely controlled. Device for forming the 3D nanofiber scaffolds are provided. The 3D nanofiber scaffolds can be cell culture scaffolds having a porosity of 50% or greater.