Electrospun fibers and an apparatus therefor
AssigneeThe University of Akron
InventorsDaniel J. Smith, Darrell H. Reneker, Albert T. McManus, Heidi L. Schreuder-Gibson, Charlene Mello, Michael S. Sennett
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Abstract
A novel fiber comprising a substantially homogeneous mixture of a hydrophilic polymer and a polymer which is at least weakly hydrophobic is disclosed. The fiber optionally contains a pH adjusting compound. A method of making the fiber comprises electrospinning fibers of the substantially homogeneous polymer solution. A method of treating a wound or other area of a patient requiring protection from contamination comprises electrospinning the substantially homogeneous polymer solution to form a dressing. An apparatus for electrospinning a wound dressing is discosed.
Claims17
An article of manufacture comprising:
- at least one fiber electrospun from a substantially homogeneous mixture containing at least one hydrophilic polymer, at least one polymer that is at least weakly hydrophobic and at least one pH adjusting compound.
A method of producing at least one fiber comprising electrospinning a substantially homogeneous mixture comprising;
- a solvent, a polymer which is at least weakly hydrophobic, a hydrophilic polymer, and optionally, a pH adjusting component.
A method of using a medical dressing comprising:
- applying fibers to a wound or other area needing protection from contamination or an area requiring treatment with therapeutical or pharmaceutical compounds, to form a fibrous non-woven matrix, wherein the fibers are electrospun from a substantially homogeneous mixture containing at least one hydrophilic polymer, and at least one polymer which is at least weakly hydrophobic, and optionally, a pH adjusting compound.
An apparatus for electrospinning at least one polymer fiber comprising:
- at least one reservoir;
- at least one device for electrospinning at least one fiber, the at least one device being in fluid communication with the at least one reservoir;
- a mixing device for agitating the fluid within the reservoir;
- a power source capable of generating an electric field in electrical communication with the at least one device;
- and
- a device for focusing the electrospun fibers into a defined area.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.