Evaluation of methods to account for release from nanofiber scaffolds

Electrospinning is a common technique utilized to form fibers from the micro- to nanometer range. Nanofibers form through electrospinning can be utilized as scaffolds since the fiber structures are similar to the structures within the extracellular matrix. Researchers use additives, such as growth factors, to help facilitate cell proliferation and function. Also, researchers are attempting to use electrospun fibers for drug delivery and as wound dressings since the electrospun fibers have high surface area to volume ratio. In both situations, the release of either the additive or the drug needs to be controlled so that the fibers would release the additive or drug in a desired manner. To understand the release from the electrospun fibers, researchers develop mathematical models that rely on the release data. Additionally, researchers utilize models based on Fick's second law of diffusion to predict release in cylindrical coordinates. This work aims to understand the release from electrospun fibers by finding the relationship between Fick's second law of diffusion and the mathematical models from experimental data. Three different release studies for electrospun fibers are investigated. Predicted mutual diffusion coefficients are developed so that the coefficients could be used for future predictive releases.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering - (M.S.)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biomedical Engineering

Year

2014

Author dc:creator

• Moy, Jennifer

Contributors dc:contributor

• George Collins
• Treena Livingston Arinzeh
• Bryan J. Pfister

• Electrospun fibers
• Drug delivery
• Wound dressings
• Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/200

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.njit.edu:theses-1199