The effect of nanoclays on nanofiber density gradient in 3D scaffolds fabricated by divergence electrospinning

Tissue engineering generally requires the use of artificial scaffolds to recreating the in vivo milieu which coordinates complex spatiotemporal mechanisms to guide cell behavior. Studies showed that aligned nanofiber scaffolds provide biophysical stimuli to promote cell adhesion, proliferation, morphogenesis, and motility. This study presents a 3D assembly process of aligned polycaprolactone nanofibers directed by a symmetrically divergent electric field. Nanoclays (phyllosilicate) were added into the polymer solution to enhance the homogeneity of fiber distribution within the scaffold. The conductivity and viscosity of solutions were characterized. The nanofiber attributes including fiber diameter, fiber density, and fiber alignment were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the homogeneity of nanofiber distribution with regard to density and alignment were positively correlated with the conductivity and viscosity of polymer solution. This study demonstrated the feasibility of fine-tuning the microstructure of 3D assembled nanofiber scaffolds by altering the material properties.