Environmentally-friendly electrospinning method

This technology describes a process of electropsinning using FDA Q3C Class 3 solvents and polymer blends to provide less toxic electrospun fibers.

Unmet Need: Safer electrospinning method for human applications

Electrospinning fibers is an established fabrication method for multiple applications in which a polymer is dissolved into a solvent, loaded into syringe, and exerted out through the syringe tip after electrostatic forces are applied. Traditional methods of electrospinning are performed using “harsh” solvents that are typically categorized as Class 2 solvents under FDA’s “Q3C Guidance for Industry.” However, a safer alternative electrospinning method is necessary for human applications, since these Class 2 solvents are limited in pharmaceutical products due to their inherent toxicities.

The Technology: “Green” electrospinning method for versatile and safer electrospun fibers

This technology describes a process of electrospinning using acetic acid, a safer Class 3 solvent, and a blend of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) and poly(-caprolactone) (PCL) as the polymers. The resulting fibers have also successfully incorporated ceramics, like calcium deficient apatite, and growth factors, such as insulin-like growth factor 1, which demonstrates versatile fiber composition for multiple applications. This “green” electrospinning method serves as a potential fabrication method for less toxic and risk averse human bone, cartilage, and tissue repairs, with further applications in textiles.

This technology used to fabricate a neocartilage matrix that was comparable to native and grafted cartilage when tested in an osteochondral explant model in vivo.

Applications:

• Regenerative medicine
• Tissue scaffold implants designed for bone, skin, and cartilage
• Treatment of skin burns and ligament repairs
• Research tool for in vitro tissue engineering applications
• Ease manufacturing processes in industry
• Safer usability for personnel, researchers, etc.

Advantages:

• Compatible with conventional electrospinning setups
• Environmentally friendly solvent
• Utilizes existing FDA approved solvents
• Reduced toxicity
• Applicable to a wide range of industries

Lead Inventor:

Helen H. Lu, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending

Related Publications:

• Boushell MK, Mosher CZ, Suri GK, Doty SB, Strauss EJ, Hunziker EB, Lu HH. “Polymeric mesh and insulin‐like growth factor 1 delivery enhance cell homing and graft− cartilage integration” Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2019 Apr; 1442(1): 138-52.

• Lu H, Zhang T, Wang XP, Fang QF. “Electrospun submicron bioactive glass fibers for bone tissue scaffold” J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2009 Mar 1; 20(3): 793-8.

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU19028

• Licensing Contact: Joan Martinez