Electrospun Fibers for Use in Implantable Materials to Support Cell Therapy.

Hydrogels are a class of biomaterials that can provide a three-dimensional (3D) environment capable of mimicking the extracellular matrix of native tissues. In this chapter, we present a method to generate electrospun nanofibers for the purpose of reinforcing hydrogels. The addition of electrospun fibers can be used to improve the mechanical properties of hydrogels and broaden their range of applications. First, the polymer for making the electrospun fibers is formulated using chloroform/ethanol, polycaprolactone (PCL), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA). Second, the polymer is used to generate thin electrospun nanofibers by an electrospinning technique using aluminum foil as a collector, which acts as the conductive substrate that collects the charged fibers. Third, the resulting electrospun fibers undergo a filtration process using nylon membrane filters, followed by lyophilization, ensuring complete removal of water from the sample.

Manufacturing and validation of small-diameter vascular grafts: A mini review.

The field of small-diameter vascular grafts remains a challenge for biomaterials scientists. While decades of research have brought us much closer to developing biomimetic materials for regenerating tissues and organs, the physiological challenges involved in manufacturing small conduits that can transport blood while not inducing an immune response or promoting blood clots continue to limit progress in this area. In this short review, we present some of the most recent methods and advancements made by researchers working in the field of small-diameter vascular grafts. We also discuss some of the most critical aspects biomaterials scientists should consider when developing lab-made small-diameter vascular grafts.