Multilayer preform obtained by electro-spinning, method for producing a preform as well as use thereof

• US 9,109,310 B2
• Filed: 10/09/2009
• Issued: 08/18/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 10/09/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Technische Universiteit Eindhoven
• Original Assignee: Technische Universiteit Eindhoven
• Inventors: Baaijens, Franciscus Petrus Thomas, Rubbens, Mirjam Petronella, Cox, Martijn Antonius Johannes
• Primary Examiner(s): DAVIS, RUTH A
• Application Number:
  US13/122,387
• Publication Number:
  US 20110250689A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,139 Days
• Field of Search: 435/398
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2415 Manufacturing methods
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2418 Scaffolds therefor, e.g. support stents
• CPC Class Codes: D01D 5/0076 characterised by the collecting device, e.g. drum, wheel, endless belt, plate or grid D01D5/0046 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: D04H 1/42 characterised by the use of certain kinds of fibres insofar as this use has no preponderant influence on the consolidation of the fleece
• CPC Class Codes: D04H 1/4374 using different kinds of webs, e.g. by layering webs
• CPC Class Codes: D04H 1/43838 Ultrafine fibres, e.g. microfibres
• CPC Class Codes: D04H 1/728 by electro-spinning electro-spinning methods and apparatus D01D5/0007
• CPC Class Codes: D04H 13/00 Other non-woven fabrics
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/2913 Rod, strand, filament or fiber

Abstract

The invention relates a multilayer preform obtained by electro-spinning, which preform is suitable as a scaffold for a prosthesis, which preform comprises at least one layer of microfibers and at least one layer of nanofibers, wherein the pore size of the at least one layer of microfibers is in the range of 1-300 micrometer and in that the pore size of the at least one layer of nanofibers is in the range of 1-300 micrometer. The present invention also relates to a method of producing said preform. The present invention also relates to the use of the present preform as a substrate for growing human or animal tissue thereon. The present invention furthermore relates to a method for growing human or animal tissue on a substrate, wherein the present preform is used as the substrate.

Claims

1. A multilayer preform obtained by electro-spinning, which preform is suitable as a scaffold for a cardiovascular prosthesis, which preform comprises a layer of fibers with at least one layer of microfibers having a diameter in the range of 3 micrometers to 20 micrometers and at least one layer of nanofibers having a diameter in the range of 50 nanometers to 800 nanometers,

wherein the pore sizes within the layer of fibers are in the range of 1 micrometers to 300 micrometers and suitable for cell infiltration and cell ingrowth throughout the thickness of the layer of fibers,

wherein the infiltrated and ingrown cells are capable of forming the cardiovascular prosthesis,

wherein the fibers in the layer of fibers are biodegradable or bioabsorbable polymeric fibers, and

wherein the fibers biodegrade or bioabsorb upon formation of the cardiovascular prosthesis therewith replacing the scaffold and leaving the cardiovascular prosthesis.

2. The preform according to claim 1, wherein the pore size of the at least one layer of microfibers and/or the at least one layer nanofibers is between 5 and 100 micrometers.

3. The preform according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the microfibers is in the range of 5 micrometers to 18 micrometers.

4. The preform according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the nanofibers is in the range of 200 nanometers to 700 nanometers.

5. The preform according to claim 1, wherein the porosity of the layer of microfibers and/or the layer of nanofibers is in the range of 70 to 95%.

6. The preform according to claim 1, wherein the cardiovascular prosthesis is a heart valve prosthesis.