Well-organized 3D nanofibrous composite constructs using cooperative effects between electrospinning and electrospraying

A new strategy to generate nanofibrous composite constructs with a controlled internal 3D microstructure is proposed. The process exploits the cooperative effect of electric field and charges occurring when electrospinning and electrospraying are carried out alternately on a micropatterned collector. Experiments and numerical simulations show that the nanofibers form a perfect electrostatic template capable of controlling the deposition of the microparticles, which in turn help the electric charge release and the building of the construct. As an example, we show that 3D nanofibrous constructs having cylindrical pores that internal diameter could be precisely tuned from tens to hundreds of microns can be obtained. Furthermore, tensile measurements showed good mechanical properties allowing the facile manipulation and handling of these 3D composite constructs. Furthermore, this process has the advantage to enable the design of composite materials made of particles and fibers of different nature and properties that can be chosen depending on the intended application.