Aligned and electrospun piezoelectric polymer fiber assembly and scaffold

摘要

A scaffold assembly and related methods of manufacturing and/or using the scaffold for stem cell culture and tissue engineering applications are disclosed which at least partially mimic a native biological environment by providing biochemical, topographical, mechanical and electrical cues by using an electroactive material. The assembly includes at least one layer of substantially aligned, electrospun polymer fiber having an operative connection for individual voltage application. A method of cell tissue engineering and/or stem cell differentiation uses the assembly seeded with a sample of cells suspended in cell culture media, incubates and applies voltage to one or more layers, and thus produces cells and/or a tissue construct. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing the assembly including the steps of providing a first pre-electroded substrate surface; electrospinning a first substantially aligned polymer fiber layer onto the first surface; providing a second pre-electroded substrate surface; electrospinning a second substantially aligned polymer fiber layer onto the second surface; and, retaining together the layered surfaces with a clamp and/or an adhesive compound.

主权项

1. An assembly configured to utilize stimuli through bioactive fibers comprising:
a first substrate film; a first electrode and a second electrode disposed on said first substrate film; and
a layer that comprises a plurality of aligned, electrospun-piezoelectric polymer fibers, such that the layer of aligned, electrospun piezoelectric polymer fibers forms:
a first outer periphery region configured to be connected to said first electrode;a second outer periphery region configured to be connected to the second electrode; andan inner region that is suspended over a bottom surface between the first electrode and second electrode.