New approach to microfibre fabrication shows promise

A new way to design and fabricate microfibres that support cell growth has been developed by researchers from Iowa State University.

The team is using a technique known as microfluidics – which examines fluids moving through channels measuring only a millionth of a metre across – to create fibres for use in single-cell studies and tissue engineering.

Their microfluidic fabrication method involves pumping polycaprolactone through tiny channels to produce microfibres between 2.6 to 36.5 millionths of a metre in diameter with tightly controlled shapes and surface patterns.

Neural stem cells were shown to be able to attach and align on these scaffolds with minimal rates of cell death. This could make it possible for researchers to examine and analyse how brain cells react to injury.

Moreover, mimicking the microenvironment of the nervous system in this way could allow regeneration to be prompted by biological and chemical cues in the environment. This could not only be used for neural cells, but also tissues such as muscle, tendons and blood vessels.

Study leader Nastaran Hashemi, an Iowa State assistant professor of mechanical engineering, said: "Our approach to fibre fabrication is unique. There is no high voltage, high pressure or high temperatures. And so, one day, I think we can encapsulate cells within our fibers without damaging them."

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