NANOFIBER SCAFFOLDS FOR BIOLOGICAL STRUCTURES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application

Serial No. 61/585,869 filed on January 12, 2012, and entitled "Biocompatible Nanofiber Materials for Biological Structures," the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety and made part of the present U.S. utility patent application for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Tissue engineering involves the synthesis of biologically relevant tissue for a wide range of applications including wound healing and the replacement or support of damaged organs. A common strategy is culturing target specific cells in vitro in a scaffold followed by implantation of the scaffold in a biological organism. As a logical cellular source for tissue engineering, stem cells have attracted a great deal of attention due to their relatively fast proliferation rate and diverse differentiation potential to various phenotypes. These include ceils derived from several origins: induced pluripotent stem cells from fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow and adult stem cells from adipose tissue. Stem cells distinctively self- renew and their terminal differentiation depends on the influence of soluble molecules (e.g., growth factors, cytokines) as well as physical and biochemical interactions with scaffolds. Cellular behavior and subsequent tissue development at the cell-scaffold interface therefore involve adhesion, motility, proliferation, differentiation and functional maturity. The physicochemical properties of a scaffold, such as bulk chemistry, surface chemistry _' , topography, three-dimensionality and mechanical properties, all influence cellular response. Bulk chemistry can control cytotoxicity, as most scaffolds are made of biodegradable materials and must eventually release the by-products of their degradation. The effect of surface chemistry is often mediated by instantly adsorbed proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, fibrinogen, vitronectin, and immunoglobulin that affect phenotype, viability, and morphology, as well as proliferation and differentiation. [0003] Studies regarding the effect of surface topography and texture on cellular response have been conducted, Stem cells are known to recognize topographical features of the order of hundreds of nanometers to several micrometers, and exhibit distinctive genomic profiles in the absence of biochemical differentiation cues and a commitment to terminal differentiation. Electrospun scaffolds are ideal matrices for two dimensional or three dimensional culture of the cells providing non-woven nano- to micro-sized fibrous microstructures typically having relative porosities of 70-90%. Natural biodegradable materials such as collagen, gelatin, elastin, chitosan, and hyaluronic acid, as well as synthetic biodegradable polymers such as poly(e- caprolactone) (PCL), poly(glycolic) acid (PGA) and poiy(lactic) acid (PLA), have been electrospun for chondral and osseous applications.

[0004] In general, the broad utility of electrospun scaffolds for tissue engineering, wound heal ing, and organ replacement is clear (see Modulation of Embryonic Mesenchymal Progenitor Cell Differentiation via Control Over Pure Mechanical Modulus in Electrospun Nanofibers, Nama et ai, Acta Biomaterialia 7, 1516-1524 (201 1), which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, for all purposes) and the present invention provides polymer fiber constructs for these and other applications. Alignment of fibers produced during electrospirming has previously been achieved by various methods including, for example, high velocity collection of fibers (e.g., on the surface of a high velocity rotating mandrel) and alternating collection of fibers from one grounded electrode to another on an immobile surface or in the air. Current methods of electrospimimg aligned fibers are not known to achieve the ideal alignment of fibers observed in the human body, such as, for example, in brain tissue. Therefore, improvements in alignment must be made in order to obtain the high degree of alignment necessary for an in vitro model of human tissue,

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The following provides a summary _' of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention. This summary is not an extensive overview and is not intended to identify key or critical aspects or elements of the present invention or to delineate its scope. [0006] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a synthetic construct suitable for transplantation into a biological organism is provided. This construct includes a synthetic construct suitable for transplantation into a biological organism, comprising: a two- dimensional or three-dimensional polymer scaffold, wherein the shape and dimensions of the polymer scaffold are based on a native biological structure, wherein the polymer scaffold further includes at least one layer of polymer fibers that have been deposited by electrospining, and wherein the orientation of the fibers in the scaffold relative to one another is substantially parallel; and wherein, optionally, the polymer scaffold has been preseeded with at least one type of biological cell prior to implantation into a biological organism, and wherein the at least one type of biological ceil is operative to facilitate integration of the polymer scaffold into the organism so that the polymer scaffold may function in a manner significantly similar to or the same as the native structure.

[0007] in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a system for manufacturing an artificial construct suitable for transplantation into a biological organism is provided. This system includes: a two or three three-dimensional preform that is based on the actual two or three-dimensional structure of a native mammalian tissue; and an electrospinning apparatus, wherein the electrospinning apparatus is operative to deposit at least one layer of polymer fibers on the preform to form a polymer scaffold, and wherein the orientation of the fibers in the scaffold relative to one another is substantially aligned or parallel.

[0008] In yet another aspect of this invention, a system for manufacturing an artificial construct suitable for transplantation into a biological organism for wound healing purposes is provided. This system includes a two or three three-dimensional preform that is based on the actual two or three-dimensional structure of a native mammalian tissue; an electrospinning apparatus, wherein the electrospinning apparatus is operative to deposit at least one layer of polymer fibers on the preform to form a polymer scaffold, and wherein the orientation of the fibers in the scaffold relative to one another is substantially parallel; and a least one type of biological cell for preseeding onto the polymer scaffold, and wherein the at least one type of biological cell further includes autologous cells or allogeneic cells, and wherein the autologous cells or allogeneic cells further include cord blood cells, embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent cells, mesenchymal cells, placental cells, bone marrow derived cells, hematopoietic cell, epithelial cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts and chondrocytes,

[0009] Additional features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. As will be appreciated by the skilled artisan, further embodiments of the invention are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and associated descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, schematically illustrate one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description given above and detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention, and wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1 depicts eiectrospun PCI. fibers spun without an anti-static bar for 10 minutes at 0.5ml/h, +4kV on the needle, and -4kV on the mandrel and the plot shows the angle of the fibers from horizontal;

[0012] FIG. 2 depicts eiectrospun PCI. fibers spun with an anti-static bar for 10 minutes at 0.5ml/ ^' h, +4kV on the needle, and -4kV on the mandrel and the plot shows the angle of the fibers from horizontal.

[0013] FIG. 3 depicts eiectrospun PCL fibers spun without an anti-static bar at l.Oml/h and the plot shows the angle of the fibers from horizontal;

[0014] FIG. 4 depicts eiectrospun PCL fibers spun with an anti-static bar at l .Oml/h and the plot shows the angle of the fibers from horizontal; [0015] FIG. 5 depicts electrospun PCL fibers spun using a dual syringe setup with two anti-static bars, wherein eac needle has a flow rate of 1 .Ornl/h and the plot shows the angle of the fibers from horizontal;

[0016] FIG. 6 depicts a dual syringe electrospinning setup, wherein the triangles indicate the relative positions of the first and second anti-static bars, wherein the straight arrows indicate relative locations of the syringe pump with polymer solution, and wherein the clockwise arrows indicate the rotation direction of the fiber collection mandrel at the center of the image;

[0017] FIG. 7 depicts electrospun PCL fibers spun with an anti-static bar at l .Oml/h, wherein an alternating ground was not applied during electrospinning;

[0018] FIG, 8 depicts electrospun PCL fibers spun with an anti-static bar at l .Oml/h, wherein an alternating ground was applied during electrospinning,

[0019] FIG. 9 is a scanning electromicrograph of the polymer nano fibers used in the present invention;

[0020] FIGS. 10-1 1 are scanning electromicrographs of the polymer nanofibers used in the present invention with a coating of marrow stroma] cells;

[0021] FIG. 12 is a scanning electromicrograph of the polymer nanofibers used in the prior art; and

[0022] FIG, 13 is a scanning electromicrograph of the polymer nanofibers used in the prior art with a coating of marrow stromal cells.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Exemplar}' embodiments of the present invention are now described with reference to the Figures. Although the following detailed description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the invention, Accordingly, the following embodiments of the invention are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention.

[0024] With reference to the Figures, this invention relates generally to the construction of implantable artificial tissues for humans and/or animals, and more specifically to a process or method for manufacturing two-dimensional polymer microscale and nanoscale structures for use as scaffolds in the growth of biological structures. The use of these scaffolds in creating or repairing numerous and multiple biological tissues and structures, is contemplated by and included in this invention. Exemplary versions of the manufacturing process of this invention include preparing a preform or substrate that is based on an actual native tissue and/or organ; electrospinning one or more layers of nanoscale (less than 1000 nanometers) or microscale (less than 50 microns) polymer fibers on the preform to form a nanofiber-based scaffold. The fibers are typically formed by electrospinning by extruding a polymer solution from a fiberization tip; creating an electronic field proximate to the fiberization tip; and positioning a ground or opposite polarity within the preform. The preform may be rotated to align the fibers on the preform or a second ground or polarity may be placed in the preform and rapidly switching the electric field to align the fibers, The microscale and nanoscale polymer fibers may be randomly aligned or maybe substantially parallel or both. These nanofiber structures may be seeded with one or more types of biological cells prior to implantation in the body to increase the rate of tissue growth into the scaffold. The polymer scaffold may include autologous or allogeneic cells such as cord blood cells, embryonic stem cells, induced piuripotent ceils, mesenchymal cells, placental cells, bone marrow derived cells, hematopoietic cell, epithelial cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, chondrocytes or combinations thereof. These biological cells may be applied to the surface of the scaffold or distributed throughout the scaffold matrix utilizing perfusion within a bioreactor, The polymer fibers may also be coated or otherwise treated with at least one compound that is operative to promote cellular attachment to the scaffold or promote engraftment of the scaffold into the biological organism. The at least one compound may be selected from the group consisting of proteins, peptides, cytokines, growth factors, antibiotic compounds, antiinflammatory compounds, and combinations thereof. [0025] Choosing a material that accurately mimics the mechanical properties of the native tissue or organ may promote proper stem cell differentiation and facilitate norma] function of the replacement tissue or organ. Included materials may be non-resorhable for permanent implantation or may be designed to slowly degrade while the host body rebuilds the native tissue, in the latter case, the implanted prosthesis will eventually be completely resorbed. Permanent (i.e., non-resorbable) polymers may include polyurethane, polycarbonate, polyester terephthalate and degradable materials may include poiycaprolactone, poiylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, gelatin, collagen, or fibronectin. The fibers may be eiectrospun onto a preform with the desired prosthesis shape. An exemplary mandrel (preform) may be coated with Teflon or similar material to facilitate removal of the scaffold after deposition or a slight taper (e.g., about 1°) can be manufactured into the mandrel, Nearly any size or shape can be produced from the eiectrospun fibers by using a pre-shaped form and the fiber deposition methods of the present invention.

[0026] Closely mimicking the structural aspects of the tissue or organ is important with regard to replicating the function of the native tissue or organ, By controlling the orientation of the fibers and assembling a composite structure of different materials and/or different fiber orientations it is possible to control and direct cell orientation and differentiation, Fiber orientation can be altered in each layer of a composite or sandwich scaffold in addition to the material and porosity to most closely mimic the native tissue. A properly constructed scaffold will permit substantially complete cellular penetration and uniform seeding for proper function and prevention of necrotic areas developing. If the fiber packing is too dense, then cells may not be able to penetrate or migrate from the exposed surfaces into the inner portions of the scaffold. However, if the fiber packing is not close enough, then attached cells may not be able to properly fill the voids, communicate and signal each other and a complete tissue or organ may not be developed. Controlling fiber diameter can be used to change scaffold porosity as the porosity scales with fiber diameter. Alternatively, blends of different polymers may be eiectrospun together and one polymer preferentially dissolved to increase scaffold porosity. The properties of the fibers can be controlled to optimize the fiber diameter, the fiber spacing or porosity, the morphology of each fiber such as the porosity of the fibers or the aspect ratio, varying the shape from round to ribbon-like. The precursor solution described below may be controlled to optimize the modulus or other mechanical properties of each fiber, the fiber composition, and/or the degradation rate (from rapidly biosoluable to biopersitent). The fibers may also be formed as drug eluting fibers, anti-bacterial fibers or the fibers may be conductive fibers, radio opaque fibers to aid in positioning or locating the fibers in an x-ray, CT or other scan.

[0027] In accordance with this invention, the process of electrospinmng is driven by the application of a high voltage, typically between 0 and 30kV, to a droplet of a polymer solution or melt at a flow rate between 0 and 50ml/h to create a condition of charge separation between two electrodes and within the polymer solution to produce a polymer jet. A typical polymer solution would consist of a polymer such as polycaprolactone, polystyrene, or poiyethersuifone and a solvent such as l,1 ,l ,3,3,3-Hexafluoro-2-propanol ₅ N ₅ N-Dimethylformamide, acetone, or tetrahydrofuran in a concentration range of l-50wt%. As the jet of polymer solution travels toward the electrode it is elongated into small diameter fibers typically in the range of 0.1 - ΙΟΟμιη.

[0028] In preparing an exemplary scaffold, a polymer nanofiber precursor solution is prepared by dissolving 2-30wt% polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (Indorama Ventures) in a mixture of 1, 1,1 ,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) and trifluoroacetic acid and the solution is heated to 60°C followed by continuous stirring to dissolve the PET. The solution may be cooled to room temperature and the solution placed in a syringe (e.g., 60cc) with a blunt tip needle (e.g., 20 gauge). The nanofibers are formed by electrospinning using a high voltage DC power supply (Classman High Voltage, Inc., High Bridge, J) set to l kV-40kV (e.g., +15 kV) positive or negative polarity, a 5-30 cm (e.g., 15 cm) tip-to-substrate distance, and a Ιμΐ/hr to lOOmL hr (e.g., 10 ml/hr) flow rate. It is possible to use a needle array including a large number of needles (e.g., >1000) to increase system output. Fiber diameter may be controlled by the viscosity of the precursor solution and the solvent used and suitable exemplary fibers are in the range of 100 nanometer 30 microns. Approximately 0.2-3 mm (e.g., 1 mm) thickness of randomly oriented and/or highly-aligned fibers may be deposited onto the form, and polymer rings added, followed by an additional approximately 0.2-3.0 mm (e.g., 2 mm) of fiber added while the form is rotated. The scaffold may be placed in a vacuum overnight to ensure removal of residual solvent (typically less than 10 ppm) and treated using a radio frequency gas plasma for 1 minute to make the fibers more hydropiiiiic and promote cell attachment. Samples may be storied in re-closeable polyethylene bags, or the like.

[0029] In accordance with this invention, an exemplar} _' preparation of electrospinning solution typically includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycaprolactone (PCL), polylactic acid (PL A), poiygiycolic acid (PGA), polyetherketoneketone (PEK ), polyurethane (PU), polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (Nylon), natural polymers such as fibronectin, collagen, gelatin, hyaluronic acid or combinations thereof that are mixed with a solvent and dissolved. Suitable solvents include acetone, dimethyl formamide, trifluoroacetic acid, hexafluoroisopropanol, acetic acid, dimethyiacetamide, chloroform, dichloromethane, water, ionic compounds, or combinations thereof A form is prepared for the deposition of nanofibers. Optionally, simulated cartilage or other supportive tissue may be applied to the form and the fibers are then sprayed onto or transferred onto a form to build up the scaffold.

[0030] During electrospinning, polymer fibers are driven toward a collector by charge separation caused by applied voltage. The collector typically is a conductive surface, such as, for example, aluminum or copper, and in this disclosure the collector is covered by a thin layer of plastic, ranging, for example, between about 0.001-0.1 inches thick. The charge that drives electrospinning toward the collector is derived from mobile ions within the polymer solution or melt. The jet of polymer that is produced has a net positive or negative charge, depending upon the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrode(s). When the jet solidifies on the collector surface, a charge builds up as subsequent fiber layers are collected. As the charge builds up on the surface, fiber with similar charge is repelled leading to irregularly arranged fibers and thus a lower degree of alignment. To reduce the effects of surface charge, an anti-static device (e.g., bar) may be incorporated into the process to improve fiber alignment. The anti-static bar bombards the surface of a sample with positively and negatively charged ions in the form of, for example, a plasma or corona discharge to neutralize the charge on the substrate. Therefore, as fiber builds up, successive layers of fibers will deposit more uniformly side-by-side (parallel relationship) to increase the alignment. The position of the anti-static bar is generally parallel to the surface of the collection mandrel, wheel, device, plate, etc. and is for example, about 0.5-3 inches away from the surface. [0031] Experimental results demonstrate that fiber alignment was improved significantly with the addition of an anti-static bar (or a device having similar functional properties), when compared to samples spun under the same conditions without the anti-static bar. FIG. 1 shows the alignment of a sample to be 83%, when electrospun without a static bar; while FIG. 2 shows a 12% increase in fiber alignment to 95%», when a static bar treats the surface during spinning. An additional benefit of anti-static bars is the ability to eiectrospin using multiple needles, FIG. 3 shows a sample spun at !mi/h without a static bar; while FIG. 4 shows a sample spun at Iml/h with an anti-static bar, and FIG. 5 shows a sample spun using a dual syringe configuration and two anti-static bars treating a wheel surface where the fibers are being deposited. When fibers are spun without an anti-static bar (see FIG. 3), the fiber alignment is low. with only 74% of fibers collected in a low angle orientation. With an anti-static bar, under the same spinning conditions, the alignment becomes 92% (see FIG. 4). Additionally, alignment is maintained at 92% (see FIG. 5) when multiple needles are used for electrospinmng, and when two anti-static bars treat the wheel surface as illustrated in FIG. 6. This demonstrates the ability to scale-up the production rate by incorporating additional needles and anti-static devices. Antistatic bars (or, alternately, one or more ionizing guns) may also be used to create continuous (i.e., very long) fibers that are continuously aligned.

[0032] As previously indicated, the alternating collection of fibers from one ground to the next will create aligned fiber. High velocity collection of fibers, such as on the surface of a rotating mandrel, will achieve similar results. When the two methods are combined, alternating grounds on a rotating mandrel, the fiber alignment is enhanced beyond what either method typically achieves. The combined method of fiber alignment is highly effective when the surface of the mandrel is coated in a thin insulating layer, such as, for example, polystyrene. An alternating ground is established by securing a continuous plastic sheet and wrapping conductive tape around the surface of the wheel, or a similar method that creates alternating layers of conductive and non-conductive surface material. The conductive tape generally is made of, for example, carbon or copper and ranges between about 0.1-2 inches wide and is spaced uniformly around the wheel circumference. This tape should be connected to the charged/grounded wheel for the alternating ground effect to be obtained. FIGS, 7-8 illustrate the alternating ground effect. FIG, 7 shows a sample that was electrospun without the alternating ground and with an antistatic bar, FIG, 8 shows a sample that was electrospun with both the alternating ground and antistatic bar, These images demonstrate the dramatic improvement in alignment when using the alternating ground and anti-static bar on a high-speed mandrel,

[0033] With reference to FIGS 9-13, the polymer fiber scaffolds of the present invention may be used to manufacture two-dimensional biocompatible patches of varying thickness for use in humans or animals (e.g., primates, cats, dogs, horses and cattle) as an aid in wound healing involving muscles, internal organs, bones, cartilage, and/or external tissues. Biocompatible materials, which are suitable for use in medical applications within the body or on external surfaces, typically elicit little or no immune response in human or veterinary applications. In one or more exemplary embodiments, these patches include substantially parallel electrospun nanoscale and microscale polymer fibers. These patches may be seeded with biological cells prior to use to increase the rate of tissue growth into the patch. Such biological cells may include autologous or allogenic cells such as cord blood cells, embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent cells, mesenchymal cells, placental cells, bone marrow derived cells, hematopoietic cells, epithelial cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts and chondrocytes. Examples of internal uses include tissue, ocular tissue (lens, cornea, optic nerve or retina), intestinal tissue, internal organs such as the liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas, esophagus, trachea, uterus, stomach, bladder, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, dura matter and other brain structures, dental structures, blood vessels and other bodily structures. Examples of external uses may include wound dressings, burn and abrasion coverings, and recovery aides to inhibit the formation of scar tissue. External structures are typically the skin but may include the cornea or surface of the eye, the ear canal, the mouth and nasal passages or the nail bed.

[0034] An exemplar}' method for making the biocompatible patches of this invention includes depositing a layer of substantially parallel electrospun polymer fibers on a preform (i.e., a wheel or similar structure) to form a fiber patch or gap filling material; and applying donor cells to the patch. Preferably, the fibers are formed byelectrospinning by extruding a polymer solution from a fiberization tip; creating an electronic field proximate to the fiberization tip; and positioning a ground within the deposition surface. The preform may be rotated to align the fibers on the surface or a second ground or opposite polarity may be placed in die preform and rapidly switching the ground. To speed the growth of human tissue into the fiber preform, the fibers are aligned by rapidly spinning the preform so that alignment of the structure produced by standard electrospinning while the fibers are drawn into a substantially parallel ordering by the tension created by spinning the form. See generally, Preparation and anisotropic mechanical behavior of highly-oriented electrospun poly(hutylene terephthalate) fibers, Journal of Applied Polymer Science Volume 101, Issue 3, pages 2017-2021 (August 2006), which is incorporated by reference herein, in its entirety, A split ground technique, in which fiber deposition rapidly alternates between two separate grounding plates within the preform or by alternating the electric field is also an effective method of forming parallel fibers on the preform. See, generally, Electrospinning Nanofibers as Uniaxially Aligned Arrays and Layer-by-Layer Stacked Films, Advanced Materials Volume 16, Issue 4, pages 361-366 (February 2004), which is incorporated by reference herein, in its entirety. Fiber alignment can be further enhanced by controlling certain variables such as humidity, solvents, flow rates, and rotational speeds. Lower relative humidity (e.g., 20%) results in better overall alignment than higher relative humidity (e.g., 50%), However, deposition efficiency is increased in higher humidity (e.g., deposition on plastic). The use of certain solvents such as acetone typically reduce fiber alignment, while others such as 1 ,1,1 , 3,3, 3-Hexafluoro-2-propanoi typically increase alignment. Decreasing the flow rate at which the polymer solution is being pumped typically increases fiber alignment, while increasing the flow rate decreases fiber alignment. Finally, increasing the rotational speed of the wheel upon which the fiber is being deposited typically increases fiber alignment.

[0035] The thickness of the patch may be from a few microns for application to surfaces to speed cellular growth and inhibit scarring to several centimeters for use as a plug for insertion into a wound or to speed the growth of structures in a specific direction. High thickness patches are useful in repairing infracted cardiac tissue, esophageal or tracheal tissue or supporting the growth of nerve in a predetermined direction. Depending on the material used in preparing the fibers the patch may dissolve within the body after a predetermined time or may be relatively permanent for longer term applications. It is also possible to fabricate a multipart structure which includes one or more layers of dissolvable fibers with one or more layers of more permanent fibers,

[0036] Having generally described this aspect of the present invention, further understanding can be obtained by reference to certain specific examples detailed below, which are provided for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to be all inclusive or limiting unless otherwise specified.

EXAMPLE 1

[0037] In Example 1, patch material was formed by fiber spinning the precursor solution at a deposition rate of lml/h at a tip to substrate distance of 20cm, while rotating the surface at a rate of 478RPM (15.7 m/s) for a period of 2 hours, using a +/-4,2kV field. The resulting fibers had an alignment of about 91 % (that is, 91% of the fibers had a fiber angle within 10° from the spinning direction of the wheel).

EXAMPLE 2

[0038] In Example 2, patch material was formed by fiber spinning the precursor solution at a deposition rate of Inil/h at a tip to substrate distance of 20cm, while rotating the surface at a rate of 478RPM (15.7 m/s) for a period of 2 hours, using a +/-5.0kV field. The resulting fibers had an alignment of about 75%.

EXAMPLE 3

[0039] In Example 3, patch material was formed by fiber spinning the precursor solution at a deposition rate of lml/h at a tip to substrate distance of 20cm, while rotating the surface at a rate of 478RPM (15.7 m s) for a period of 2 hours, using a +/ ^' -4.8kV field. The resulting fibers had an alignment of about 98%.

[0040] In this embodiment, to speed the growth of human tissue into the fiber preform, the fibers were aligned by rapidly spinning the preform so that alignment of the structure produced by standard electrospinning while the fibers were drawn into a substantially parallel ordering by the tension created by spinning the form. The properties of the fibers can be controlled to optimize the fiber diameter, the fiber spacing or porosity, the morphology of each fiber such as the porosity of the fibers or the aspect ratio, varying the shape from round to ribbon-like, The precursor solution may be controlled to optimize the modulus or other mechanical properties of each fiber, the fiber composition, the degradation rate (from rapidly biosoluable to biopersitent. The fibers may also be formed as drug eluting fibers, anti-bacterial fibers or the fibers may be conductive fibers, radio opaque fibers to aid in positioning or locating the fibers in an x-ray, CT or other scan.

[0041] Typically the fibers used in the patches are formed by electrospinning; however, fibers may also be formed by methods such as extrusion and drawing of a fiber, ink jet printing fibers, or mechanically stretching a fiber sheet to attenuate and align the fibers. An exemplary ink jet method includes preparing solutions for ink jet printing as follows: a 1 mg/m solution of fibronectin in Di water wis diluted with additional Dl water at a ratio of 1 :4; Dil cyanine dye is then added at a ratio of 1 : 100 to a 1 mg/ml solution of hylauronic acid in DI water. A concentrated solution of purified myel in is diluted at a ratio of 1 :9 in PBS then Dil cyanine dye is added at a ratio of 1 :100, The solutions are printed onto a substrate using an industrial grade ink jet printer (Jetlab II, Microfab Technologies, Inc. Piano, TX) with a glass capillar}' tip with an orifice diameter of 50 microns. A drop frequency of 1 80 Hz is used with a head speed of 5 mm/s. A custom made program script may be used to create printed patterns.

[0042] While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of exemplary embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in certain detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to any of the specific details, representative devices and methods, and/or illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.