A three-dimensional electrospun biomedical patch includes a first polymeric scaffold having a first structure of deposited electrospun fibers extending in a plurality of directions in three dimensions to facilitate cellular migration for a first period of time upon application of the biomedical patch to a tissue, wherein the first period of time is less than twelve months, and a second polymeric scaffold having a second structure of deposited electrospun fibers. The second structure of deposited electrospun fibers includes the plurality of deposited electrospun fibers configured to provide structural reinforcement for a second period of time upon application of the three-dimensional electrospun biomedical patch to the tissue wherein the second period of time is less than twelve months. The three-dimensional electrospun biomedical patch is sufficiently pliable and resistant to tearing to enable movement of the three-dimensional electrospun biomedical patch with the tissue.

An implantable medical device includes a first component including a first material, a second component including a second material, and a fiber matrix including a plurality of fibers. The fiber matrix joins the first component to the second component. The fiber matrix includes a first a first portion connected to the first component, and a second portion connected to the second component. The first portion of the fiber matrix is interpenetrated with, and mechanically fixed to, the first material. The first portion of the fiber matrix directly contacts the first material.

A handheld portable electrostatic device for electrostatically applying a treatment solution to a treatment site of a patient, including a housing and a cartridge removably disposed in the housing. The cartridge includes a cartridge housing and a nozzle for applying the treatment solution. An electrostatic module is provided to electrostatically charge and ionize molecules of the treatment solution of the cartridge. The treatment solution is configured to flow toward the nozzle whereby at least one electrode electrically connected to the electrostatic module physically contacts the treatment solution as it flows therethrough and applies an electrical charge to the treatment solution.

The present invention provides a medical dressing article and a method of manufacturing the same, which comprises: (a) a first layer comprised of polycaprocaptone fibers having a PCL fiber diameter of 0.5 μm and 2.9 μm; (b) a second layer, deposited directly on the first layer, including a mixture of polycaprolactone and poloxamer fibers (PCL and POX fibers) wherein a PCL and POX fiber diameter is between 0.1 μm and 4 μm; and (c) a third layer, deposited directly on the second layer, further comprising a mixture of gelatin and silver nitrate (AgNO.sub.3).

Actuators (artificial muscles) comprising twist-spun nanofiber yarn or twist-inserted polymer fibers generate actuation when powered electrically, photonically, chemically, thermally, by absorption, or by other means. These artificial muscles utilize polymer fibers non-coiled or coiled yarns and can be either neat or comprising a guest. Devices comprising these artificial muscles are also described. In some embodiments, thermally-powered polymer fiber torsional actuator has a twisted, chain-oriented polymer fiber that has a first degree of twist at a first temperature and a second degree of twist at a second temperature in which the bias angles of the first degree and second degree of twist are substantially different.

A stent or other prosthesis may be formed by coating a single continuous wire scaffold with a polymer coating. The polymer coating may consist of layers of electrospun polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Electrospun PTFE of certain porosities may permit endothelial cell growth within the prosthesis.

This disclosure relates to air-assisted spinnerets and spinneret arrays for electrospinning. In some embodiments, the air-assisted spinnerets and spinneret arrays are incorporated in electrospinning systems and/or electrospinning machines. Methods of making and using the same are also described herein.

The present invention provides novel methods for poling piezoelectric materials, e.g., collagen, which are carried out in the absence of liquid media and at a relatively low temperature. The present invention also provides electroactive scaffolds comprising poled collagen for promoting cell growth and differentiation.

A polymer blend is provided, comprising or consisting of: (A) a first polymer component, being a copolymer having a substantially random, partially blocky structure and selected from poly[(L-lactide)-co-(£-caprolactone)] and poly[(D-lactide)-co-(£-caprolactone)] and (B) a second polymer component different from the first polymer component (A) selected from poly(L-lactide), poly(D-lactide), poly[(L-lactide)-co-(£-caprolactone)] and poly[(D-lactide)-co-(£-caprolactone)], wherein the first and second polymer components (A) and (B) are selected such that the resulting polymer blend comprises a combination of constitution units derived from L-lactide and constitution units derived from D-lactide. The highly elastic material may be processed by electrospinning to produce elastic porous objects having a non-woven fibrous structure.

The invention relates to a polymeric fabric comprising an outer functional layer having hydrophobic and oleophobic characteristics made of a first compound, and a second functional layer having hydrophobic characteristics made of a second compound, wherein the first and the second compound differ from each other. Further the outer functional layer at least partly coats the second layer. Additionally, the invention relates to a method of producing a polymeric fabric and an apparatus for producing a polymeric fabric.