High aspect ratio template and method for producing same
First Claim
1. A method for manufacturing a scaffold comprising:
- immersing a matrix into a first solution, the matrix comprising a first polymer surrounding a plurality of second polymer members arranged in a desired distribution pattern within the first polymer with each of the plurality of second polymer members having a predetermined length, cross-sectional area and cross-sectional shape, the first polymer being soluble in the first solution, the plurality of second polymer members being soluble in a second solution and insoluble in the first solution wherein the first solution dissolves the surrounding first polymer;
immersing the plurality of members in a third solution in which the plurality of members are insoluble, the third solution forming a biocompatible matrix surrounding the plurality of members; and
immersing the plurality of members and surrounding biocompatible matrix in the second solution to thereby dissolve the plurality of members and create a plurality of conduits in the biocompatible matrix.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Millimeter to nano-scale structures manufactured using a multi-component polymer fiber matrix are disclosed. The use of dissimilar polymers allows the selective dissolution of the polymers at various stages of the manufacturing process. In one application, biocompatible matrixes may be formed with long pore length and small pore size. The manufacturing process begins with a first polymer fiber arranged in a matrix formed by a second polymer fiber. End caps may be attached to provide structural support and the polymer fiber matrix selectively dissolved away leaving only the long polymer fibers. These may be exposed to another product, such as a biocompatible gel to form a biocompatible matrix. The polymer fibers may then be selectively dissolved leaving only a biocompatible gel scaffold with the pores formed by the dissolved polymer fibers.
14 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method for manufacturing a scaffold comprising:
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immersing a matrix into a first solution, the matrix comprising a first polymer surrounding a plurality of second polymer members arranged in a desired distribution pattern within the first polymer with each of the plurality of second polymer members having a predetermined length, cross-sectional area and cross-sectional shape, the first polymer being soluble in the first solution, the plurality of second polymer members being soluble in a second solution and insoluble in the first solution wherein the first solution dissolves the surrounding first polymer; immersing the plurality of members in a third solution in which the plurality of members are insoluble, the third solution forming a biocompatible matrix surrounding the plurality of members; and immersing the plurality of members and surrounding biocompatible matrix in the second solution to thereby dissolve the plurality of members and create a plurality of conduits in the biocompatible matrix. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for manufacturing a polymer fiber template comprising:
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cutting a polymer matrix to a desired length, the matrix comprising a plurality of first polymer members arranged in a desired distribution pattern within a surrounding structure with each of the plurality of first polymer members having a predetermined cross-sectional area and cross-sectional shape; immersing the matrix into a first solution, the first polymer being soluble in the first solution, wherein the first solution dissolves the plurality of first polymer members to thereby create a plurality of conduits; and embedding or coating at least a portion of the plurality of conduits with an antibacterial agent. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
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11. A method for manufacturing a multi-component nanofiber template comprising:
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immersing a matrix into a first solution, the matrix comprising a supporting structure surrounding a first polymer member and a second polymer member arranged in a desired pattern within the supporting structure with each of the first and second polymer members having predetermined dimensions, the first polymer member being soluble in the first solution, the second polymer member being soluble in a second solution and insoluble in the first solution, and the supporting structure being insoluble in both the first solution and the second solution wherein the first solution dissolves the first polymer member to thereby create a first conduit in place of the first polymer member; immersing the matrix in the second solution wherein the second solution dissolves the second polymer member to thereby create a second conduit in place of the second polymer member; and depositing a P-type thermoelectric material into the first conduit, or depositing an N-type thermoelectric material into the second conduit, or both depositing a P-type thermoelectric material into the first conduit and depositing an N-type thermoelectric material into the second conduit. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification