Towards Chronic Wound Pads: Gradient Nanofiber Structure Generated by Ultrasound Enhanced Electrospinning (USES)

We utilized an ultrasound enhanced electrospinning (USES) technique to produce a four-layer nanofiber scaffold. In contrast to ordinary electrospinning (ES), in the USES process, acoustic radiation pressure generates a cone at the free surface of the polymer solution (4-wt% polyethylene oxide (PEO); aqueous solution), which replaces the need for the needle employed in traditional ES. The cone shape and size were modified by changing the ultrasound parameters (pulse repetition rate, cycles per pulse, and amplitude) during the electrospinning process. A four-layer sample was generated and imaged using scanning electron microscope. The produced nanofiber construct is the first demonstration of a needle-free electrospinning process featuring accurate control of fiber diameter without changes in the sample chemistry. These kinds of gradient structures could be utilized for generation of precision tailored wound pads.