This technology is a simple method for fabricating tubular devices with well-aligned fiber organization for vascular tissue engineering.
Tubular vessels formed from biocompatible materials are widely used in vascular tissue engineering applications, and can also serve as vascular grafts and nerve guides. The microstructure of these devices is particularly important for guiding tissue growth and function. However, conventional fabrication methods such as molding and dipping do not provide adequate control over the microstructure, while the more precise methods such as electrospinning involve lengthy, multi-step optimization procedures.
This system allows for the precise fabrication of tubular structures by applying small amounts of a polymer coating to a rotating support structure. A central mandrel rapidly spins while adjacent applicators inject a biopolymer of choice. The rotation of the mandrel causes the biopolymer threads to be wound around the support, steadily building up the microtube. Wall thickness, diameter, and shape of the microtube can be readily modified by adjusting winding speed, amount of polymer injection, and pattern of application, while other properties may be modified in pre- or post-processing of the biopolymer. This process is compatible with a wide range of commonly used biomaterials, including silk, collagen, fibrin, polylactic acid, and polyglycolic acid, among others.
Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic, Ph.D.
IR CU15309
Licensing Contact: Cynthia Lang
