Electrospinning Of Collagen Nanofiber Scaffolds For Biomedical Applications

Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the body. It comprises more than 90% of the protein content the tendon and bone, and more than 50% of the skin’s composition. Collagen fibers were prepared by electrospinning using different solutions with changes in collagen concentration and solvent composition. The fibers were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Collagen fibers prepared using saline buffer showed well-formed cylindrical morphology.  After 48 hour aging in desiccator, the fiber morphology changed loosing integrity and forming large crystals.  Meanwhile, collagen fibers prepared using acetic acid solution showed well-formed cylindrical morphology that did not change with aging. Mean diameter of the fibers is about 200 nm. Creation of collagen and hidroxiapatite composite will start shortly.