Processing and microstructural characterization of porous biocompatible protein polymer thin films

• Published in: Polymer (Guilford) Vol. 40; no. 26; pp. 7397 - 7407
• Main Authors: BUCHKO, C. J, CHEN, L. C, YU SHEN, MARTIN, D. C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier 01.12.1999
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Biocompatibility; Biological and medical sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Implants (surgical); Medical sciences; Microstructure; Morphology; Plastic coatings; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Proteins; Sheets and films; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Technology of polymers; Technology. Biomaterials. Equipments; Thin films; Transmission electron microscopy; X ray scattering; Central nervous system; Fibrillar structure; Experimental study; Porous material; Aminoacid polymer; Thin film; Deposition process; Structure processing relationship; Implanted material; Solvent spinning; Molecular orientation; Morphology; Concentration effect; Amide 66 polymer; Biomaterial
• ISSN: 0032-3861; 1873-2291
• DOI: 10.1016/s0032-3861(98)00866-0

The process of electrostatic fiber formation, or electrospinning, was used to create biocompatible thin films for use in implantable devices. The morphology of the thin films was found to depend on process parameters including solution concentration, applied electric field strength, deposition distance, and deposition time. The microstructure of the coatings was examined by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (WAXS), with electrospun filaments being weakly oriented along the fiber axis. A shish kebab model for the filament morphology was proposed. The electrospinning process was shown to be a means of creating porous thin films with structural gradients and controlled morphology that could enhance biocompatibility.