Electrospinning properties

In order to improve the properties and the spinnability, fibroin sometimes has been electrospun together with other natural or synthetic polymers (Jin et al., 2002 Park et al., 2004, 2006 Wang et al., 2004, 2006). For instance, Jin et al. (2002) developed an aqueous process for silk electrospinning in combination with PEO. More recently, Cao (2008) used PVA/Silk Fibroin (SF), Gelatin/SF, and Hydroxyapatite (HAP)/SF to produce double-layered (core-shell) nanofibers (mats) by coelectrospinning. 

Sukigara, S., Gandhi, M., Ayutsede, J., Micklus, M., and Ko, F. "Regeneration of Bombyx mori silk by electrospinning - part 1 Processing parameters and geometric properties". Polymer 44(19), 5721-5727 (2003). 

S. Sukigara, M. Gandhi, J. Ayutsede, M. Micklus, F. Ko. 2003. Regeneration of Bombyx mori silk by electrospinning part FProcessing Parameters and Geometric Properties. Polymer, 44.pp. 5721-5727. 

The last method to be discussed, which is used to form polymer/ceramic composites by electrospinning, is extremely different to the methods previously described, but worth mentioning. Zuo et al. [129] used a method to create a composite scaffold that is actually the reverse of what most people are doing. Instead of mineralizing the nanofibers, Zuo et al. actually incorporated electrospun polymer nanofibers into a ceramic bone cement in order to form a composite scaffold. It was found that by incorporating electrospun nanofibers into the cement, the scaffold became less brittle and actually behaved similarly to that of a ductile material because of the fibers. Composite scaffolds with different polymers and fiber diameters were then tested in order to determine which scaffold demonstrated the most ideal mechanical properties. However, no cell studies were conducted and this method would most likely be used for a bone substitute instead of for bone regeneration applications. 

Metter RB et al (2010) Biodegradable fibrous scaffolds with diverse properties by electrospinning candidates from a combinatorial macromer library. Acta Biomater 6(4) 1219-1226... 

Fiber jet speed and material elasticity are two of the most important parameters involved in the jet-mandrel interaction and each of these properties are influenced by multiple electrospinning parameters, such as solution conductivity, viscosity, voltage, and feed rate. In addition, material properties cannot be accurately predicted without knowing the exact degree of solvent evaporation at the point when fibers are taken up by the collector. 

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