| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
Materials Science & Technology 2011
|
| Symposium
|
Next Generation Biomaterials
|
| Presentation Title |
Influence of Scaffold Hydration on Fiber Geometry and Extension |
| Author(s) |
Greg Ebersole, Jackie Ohmura, Peter M Anderson, Heather M Powell |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Heather M Powell |
| Abstract Scope |
Electrospun tissue engineering scaffolds are hydrated prior to use; however, their fiber properties are most commonly quantified using non-hydrated scaffolds. This work explores how the hydration state of electrospun scaffolds affects fiber geometry and extensional response. In particular, scanning electron microscopy was used to record the x-y coordinates for individual fibers within two types of dry scaffolds: collagen and polycaprolactone (PCL). Confocal microscopy was used to provide similar data for wet counterparts. The results show that fiber tortuosity increases substantially with hydration for collagen and less so for PCL. These differences in fiber tortuosity are captured in terms of Fourier signatures, which can be used to construct statistical variations of fiber shape. Finite element analysis of single fibers documents how the increased tortuosity in wet collagen fibers affects extensional response. The results show that hydrated geometries are required to properly capture fiber shape and its effect on mechanical response. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Undecided |