DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/GT3E-N842
Defense Date
2006
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Biomedical Engineering
First Advisor
Dr. David G. Simpson
Abstract
The process of electrospinning has given the field of tissue engineering insight into many aspects of tissue engineered scaffolds, including how factors such as fiber diameter and porosity are affected by polymer concentration. However, the affects of fiber alignment upon the material properties of electrospun scaffolds remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to determine how the material properties of electrospun gelatin scaffolds are affected by changes in fiber alignment and starting gelatin concentration. Gelatin scaffolds, with starting concentrations of 80, 100, and 130mg/m1, were electrospun onto a target mandrel rotating at various speeds. Samples of each scaffold were taken parallel and perpendicular to the axis of mandrel rotation. Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis was performed on these samples, to determine how fiber alignment is affected by starting polymer concentration and the rotational speed of the target mandrel. Mechanical tests were aiso performed on these samples. Results were analyzed by Three-way ANOVA. It was determined that starting gelatin concentration, mandrel speed, and direction of fiber alignment interact together to produce effects on the mechanical properties of electrospun gelatin scaffolds.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
June 2008