Electrospun nanofibrous structure: A novel scaffold for tissue engineering

  1. Wan-Ju Li1,4,†,
  2. Cato T. Laurencin2,
  3. Edward J. Caterson4,
  4. Rocky S. Tuan4,†,
  5. Frank K. Ko1,3,*

Article first published online: 25 MAR 2002

DOI: 10.1002/jbm.10167

Issue

Journal of Biomedical Materials Research

Journal of Biomedical Materials Research

Volume 60, Issue 4, pages 613–621, 15 June 2002

Additional Information

How to Cite

Li, W.-J., Laurencin, C. T., Caterson, E. J., Tuan, R. S. and Ko, F. K. (2002), Electrospun nanofibrous structure: A novel scaffold for tissue engineering. J. Biomed. Mater. Res., 60: 613–621. doi: 10.1002/jbm.10167

Author Information

  1. 1

    School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104

  2. 2

    Department of Chemical Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104

  3. 3

    Department of Materials Engineering, Drexel University, 31st and Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104

  4. 4

    Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Curtis 501, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107

  1. †

    Cartilage Biology and Orthopaedics Branch, National Institute of Arthritis, and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892

*Department of Materials Engineering, Drexel University, 31st and Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 25 MAR 2002
  2. Article first published online: 25 MAR 2002
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 5 DEC 2001
  4. Manuscript Revised: 21 NOV 2001
  5. Manuscript Received: 26 JUL 2001

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Keywords:

  • tissue engineering;
  • electrospinning;
  • PLGA;
  • scaffold;
  • mesenchymal stem cell

Abstract

The architecture of an engineered tissue substitute plays an important role in modulating tissue growth. A novel poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) structure with a unique architecture produced by an electrospinning process has been developed for tissue-engineering applications. Electrospinning is a process whereby ultra-fine fibers are formed in a high-voltage electrostatic field. The electrospun structure, composed of PLGA fibers ranging from 500 to 800 nm in diameter, features a morphologic similarity to the extracellular matrix (ECM) of natural tissue, which is characterized by a wide range of pore diameter distribution, high porosity, and effective mechanical properties. Such a structure meets the essential design criteria of an ideal engineered scaffold. The favorable cell–matrix interaction within the cellular construct supports the active biocompatibility of the structure. The electrospun nanofibrous structure is capable of supporting cell attachment and proliferation. Cells seeded on this structure tend to maintain phenotypic shape and guided growth according to nanofiber orientation. This novel biodegradable scaffold has potential applications for tissue engineering based upon its unique architecture, which acts to support and guide cell growth. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 60: 613–621, 2002

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