Hybrid core-shell and Janus nanofibers obtained by solution blow spinning

Abstract

Tissue engineering is now essential for medical applications, such as in implants for biomedical devices, artificial organs, healing and skin regeneration. The success of these applications depends on the development of biomaterials, which should be accompanied by the study of biomaterial/cell interactions. This project aims at developing conducting hybrid nanofibers in the form of core-shell or Janus structures using the solution blow spinning technique, which can be used in tissue regeneration. In the core-shell structure, the shell of the nanofibers will consist of a synthetic or natural polymer and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) will be used in the core formation. In the Janus structure, the nanofibers will consist of two faces, one polymeric and the other containing AuNPs. The processing conditions of the nanofibers will be optimized so that their electrical, mechanical and morphological properties are adequate to improve cell adhesion, spreading and proliferation. The greatest challenge will be to achieve a homogeneous distribution of the AuNPs in the nucleus of core-shell nanofibers and avoid the formation of aggregates on one side of the Janus nanofibers. The nanofibers should serve as support for cell growth, including with electrical stimulation as a coadjuvant factor to accelerate cell proliferation processes, essential for healing.