Electrospinning of Nanofibers from Natural Materials

Mrinal Bhattacharya, Professor
Rui L. Reis, Associate Professor and Director, 3B’s Research Group, University of Minho, Portugal.
Nuno M. Neves, Assistant Professor, University of Minho, Portugal

Funding Source

FLAD, University of Minnesota Sabbatical Funds

Objective

Evaluate the effect of fluid parameters (polymer concentration/viscosity, surface tension, and conductivity) and processing parameters (fluid flow rate, field strength, tip-to-collector distance, and nature of collector) on fiber formation.

Need or Impact

Electrospinning is an electrostatically induced self-assembly process wherein ultra-fine fibers are produced. The process has attracted great attention because fibers with high surface-to-volume ratio can be fabricated using this technique. These products could have applications in sensors, nanocomposites, delivery of pesticides and flavorants, and as filters and templates for tissue engineering.

Project Status

In progress.