Streamlining the highly reproducible fabrication of fibrous biomedical specimens towards standardization and high throughput

Abstract

Nano- and micro-fiber-based scaffolds bear enormous potential for their use in cell culture and tissue engineering, since they mimic natural collagen structures and may thus serve as biomimetic adhesive substrates. They have, however, so far been restricted to small scale production in research labs with high batch-to-batch variation. They are commonly produced via electrospinning or melt electro-writing and their delicate nature poses obstacles in detachment, storage, and transportation. This study focuses on overcoming challenges in the high throughput production and practical handling, introducing new methods to reproducibly prepare such scaffolds suitable for quantitative cell culture applications. Attention is given to the seamless handling and transfer of samples without compromising structural integrity. Challenges in detaching fibers without damage as well as storage, and transport are addressed. Cell culture studies demonstrate the methodological advantages, emphasizing the potential for standardized testing and biological readouts of these fiber materials. The developed methods are applicable across various electrospinning and melt electro-writing approaches and can essentially contribute to their utilization in laboratory research and commercial applications.