Invention:
This invention is a novel method and approach to the improvement of nano-fiber scaffolding. The cells that make up every human, or any organism for that matter, are held together largely depending on the extra-cellular matrices within different tissues (bone, skin, tendons, blood vessels etc.). These matrices help to keep the cells in place and provide a structure upon which cells are able to proliferate and adhere correctly. Electrospinning has proven to be a way to recreate scaffolding using micro and nano fibers that also allow cells to adhere and propagate.
This invention and advancement of the current technology is different 2D scaffolding topographies and the effect that topography has on cellular adhesion. It was found that the topographies play a significant role specifically influencing the number of cells adhering to the 2D structure over a 24 hour period. This discovery and method can focus the direction of research and understanding to create the optimal topography for wound healing and other tissue engineering applications.
Background:
Tissue replacement and repair are some of the important goals of tissue engineering. Much like any other form of rebuilding, scaffolding needs to be built to support the proliferation and adhesion of cells and, in this case, smooth muscle cells. Electrospinning is a widely recognized process for the replication of tissue matrix composition, topography, and other mechanical properties of natural tissue stroma. The process of electrospinning can be done with biologic or synthetic materials with the purpose of the electrospun scaffolds to provide a base for cellular adhesion which could facilitate faster wound healing.
The question posited and answered in this study is differences in cellular adhesion and retention in different topographies generated on a 2-Dimensional plate. To what degree does the topography affect how cells interact with the scaffolding? That question may lead to important considerations for large-scale applications where the considerations of quick proliferation and widespread cell adhesion would directly affect the recovery of a medical procedure, for example.
Applications:
Advantages:
- Higher cell counts
- Higher smooth muscle cell retention
