Optimizing Electrospinning Parameters to Create Aligned PLLA Fibers for Nerve Regeneration Applications Spinal Cord Regeneration and Regeneration within the Peripheral Nervous System

Student Researcher: Han Bing Wang, Graduate Student, Chemical Engineering
Collaborator: Dr. Michael Mullins, Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological University

Electrospinning can create polymeric fibers with diameters in the nanometer to micrometer range. We are investigating how poly-L-lactic acid fiber alignment changes when several different electrospinning parameters are varied. After optimizing electrospinning parameters to create highly aligned species, neuronal species will be cultured to determine how fiber density affects the neurite length and the amount of neuronal outgrowth.