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Article
Mechanical Considerations for Electrospun Nanofibers in Tendon and Ligament Repair
Advanced Healthcare Materials (2018)
  • David A. Brennan, Rowan University
  • Adriano A. Conte, Rowan University
  • Gregory Kanski, Rowan University
  • Stefan Turkula, Rowan University
  • Xiao Hu, Rowan University
  • Matthew T. Kleiner, Rowan University
  • Vince Beachley, Rowan University
Abstract
Electrospun nanofibers possess unique qualities such as nanodiameter, high surface area to volume ratio, biomimetic architecture, and tunable chemical and electrical properties. Numerous studies have demonstrated the potential of nanofibrous architecture to direct cell morphology, migration, and more complex biological processes such as differentiation and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition through topographical guidance cues. These advantages have created great interest in electrospun fibers for biomedical applications, including tendon and ligament repair. Electrospun nanofibers, despite their nanoscale size, generally exhibit poor mechanical properties compared to larger conventionally manufactured polymer fiber materials. This invites the question of what role electrospun polymer nanofibers can play in tendon and ligament repair applications that have both biological and mechanical requirements. At first glance, the strength and stiffness of electrospun nanofiber grafts appear to be too low to fill the rigorous loading conditions of these tissues. However, there are a number of strategies to enhance and tune the mechanical properties of electrospun nanofiber grafts. As researchers design the next-generation electrospun tendon and ligament grafts, it is critical to consider numerous physiologically relevant mechanical criteria and to evaluate graft mechanical performance in conditions and loading environments that reflect in vivo conditions and surgical fixation methods.
Keywords
  • electrospinning,
  • ligament,
  • nanofibers,
  • polymers,
  • tendon
Publication Date
March 30, 2018
DOI
10.1002/adhm.201701277
Citation Information
David A. Brennan, Adriano A. Conte, Gregory Kanski, Stefan Turkula, et al.. "Mechanical Considerations for Electrospun Nanofibers in Tendon and Ligament Repair" Advanced Healthcare Materials Vol. 7 Iss. 12 (2018) p. 1701277 ISSN: 2192-2659
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/vincent-beachley/22/