Sacrificial fibers

Using two sets of electrospinning spinnerets, a sacrificial nanofiber can be introduced into the membrane to provide bulk and increase the pore size and porosity of the construct. The sacrificial fiber is usually water soluble so that it can be easily removed [Baker et al 2012, Frey et al 2007, Milleret 2011]. This technique is similar to the particle leaching technique except that this uses polymer fibers. A sacrificial fibrous network may potentially improve the inter-connected pores between the fibers as compared to particle leaching method. In vivo study by Ifkovits et al [2010] using this technique showed earlier complete integration of the scaffold compared with scaffolds without sacrificial fibers. However, a potential drawback is that complete removal of the sacrificial polymer may be more difficult than salt particles due to its longer molecular chain.

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▼ Credit and Acknowledgement