Three-dimensional coating of nanofibers on surfaces of poorly conductive objects

Rectangular-shaped, poorly conductive synthetic polymer scaffolds composed of a mixture of polycaprolactone and poly-L-lactic acid (PCL/PLLA, 75:25) were coated directly with nanofibers composed of PLLA using an electrospinning technique having a modified design for the electrically grounded collector. The design modification consisted of mounting each scaffold onto a fine-point needle which was attached directly to the ground electrode of the electrospinning unit. Nanofibers were collected on all six surfaces of each scaffold. The coated scaffolds were then dried at ambient temperature overnight before sterilization by immersion in 100% ethanol to assess and ensure adherence between the scaffold and nanofibers. Photomicrographs from scanning electron microscopy illustrate nanofiber coverage over all six surfaces of the polymer scaffold. The design in this manner for three-dimensional coating of poorly conductive objects advances electrospinning capability for numerous new applications.