Abstract
In this study, we created a new method of electrospinning capable of controlling the surface structure of individual fibers (fiber nano topography). The nano topographical features were created by a phase separation in the fibers as they formed. To control the phase separation, a nonsolvent (a chemical insoluble with the polymer) was added to an electrospinning solution containing poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) and chloroform. The nano topography of electro spun fibers in the PLLA/chloroform solution was smooth. However, adding a small weight (< 2% of total solution) of a single nonsolvent (water, ethanol, or dimethyl sulfoxide) generated nanoscale depressions on the surface of the fibers unique to the nonsolvent added. Additionally, nanoscale depressions on electro spun fibers were observed to change with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) concentration in the PLLA/chloroform solution. A nonlinear relationship was found between the concentration of DMSO and the number and size of nano topographical features. The surface depressions did not alter the hydrophobicity of the scaffold or degradation of the scaffold over a two-day period. To determine if fiber nano topography altered cell behavior, macrophages (RAW 264.7 cells) were cultured on fibers with a smooth nano topography or fibers with nanoscale depressions. RAW 264.7 cells spread less on fibers with nanoscale depressions than fibers with a smooth topography (p < 0.05), but there were no differences between groups with regard to cell metabolism or the number of adherent cells. The results of this study demonstrate the necessity to consider the nano topography of individual fibers as these features may affect cellular behavior. More importantly, we demonstrate a versatile method of controlling electro spun fiber nano topography. © 2013 American Chemical Society.
Recommended Citation
N. J. Schaub et al., "Engineered Nanotopography on Electrospun PLLA Microfibers Modifies RAW 264.7 Cell Response," ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, vol. 5, no. 20, pp. 10173 - 10184, American Chemical Society, Oct 2013.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1021/am402827g
Department(s)
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
electrospun fibers; phase separation; PLLA; RAW 264.7 cells; topography
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
1944-8252; 1944-8244
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2025 American Chemical Society, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
23 Oct 2013
PubMed ID
24063250
