Issue 17, 2016

Fibrous scaffolds fabricated by emulsion electrospinning: from hosting capacity to in vivo biocompatibility

Abstract

Electrospinning is a versatile method for preparing functional three-dimensional scaffolds. Synthetic and natural polymers have been used to produce micro- and nanofibers that mimic extracellular matrices. Here, we describe the use of emulsion electrospinning to prepare blended fibers capable of hosting aqueous species and releasing them in solution. The existence of an aqueous and a non-aqueous phase allows water-soluble molecules to be introduced without altering the structure and the degradation of the fibers, and means that their release properties under physiological conditions can be controlled. To demonstrate the loading capability and flexibility of the blend, various species were introduced, from magnetic nanoparticles and quantum rods to biological molecules. Cellular studies showed the spontaneous adhesion and alignment of cells along the fibers. Finally, in vivo experiments demonstrated the high biocompatibility and safety of the scaffolds up to 21 days post-implantation.

Graphical abstract: Fibrous scaffolds fabricated by emulsion electrospinning: from hosting capacity to in vivo biocompatibility

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
28 Jan 2016
Accepted
19 Mar 2016
First published
18 Apr 2016

Nanoscale, 2016,8, 9293-9303

Fibrous scaffolds fabricated by emulsion electrospinning: from hosting capacity to in vivo biocompatibility

F. Spano, A. Quarta, C. Martelli, L. Ottobrini, R. M. Rossi, G. Gigli and L. Blasi, Nanoscale, 2016, 8, 9293 DOI: 10.1039/C6NR00782A

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements