Preparation of Polyesters for the Electrospinning Method

Physical and chemical modifications to increase electrospun polyester hydrophihcity and surface scaffold functionalization with ECM proteins, peptides, or other bioactive molecules are some examples of posttreatments in use [16]. Another strategy to improve the biocompatibihty of the scaffolds is to combine the polyester with a natural polymer or other natural biomolecule to conduct the electrospinning process [17,18]. 

This chapter concerns the recent progress in the use of polyester polymers to produce electrospun scaffolds for medical regenerative apphcations, with emphasis on the processing of the polyesters for electrospinning, their apphcations, and the improvement of their biological performance. 

Intrinsic properties of polyester, such as its molecular weight and parameters of the polymeric solution, such as concentration, viscosity, and conductivity have significant influence on the electrospinning process and the characteristics of the formed fibers [8]. The electrospinning method requires a minimum concentration of polymers for the formation of fibers. The polymer solution must have 

Different solvents are employed to dissolve polyesters and to prepare the polymeric solution for electrospinning. The solvent used in polyester solutions has a great influence on its spinnability. For successful fiber formation, the solvent needs to be correctly selected. The solvent should maintain the integrity of the polymer, show good volatUity, and appropriate dielectric constant [21]. 

Listed in Table 7.1 are the most commonly used biodegradable polyesters to create electrospun scaffolds for tissue engineering apphcations. The corresponding solvents and concentrations of polymer solutions reported in the literature are also described. 

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