A three-dimensional electrospun nanofiber scaffold for use in repairing a defect in a tissue substrate is provided. The scaffold includes a flexible deposited fiber network of varying density including a first and second set of set of electrospun fibers. The second set of electrospun fibers is coupled to the first. A first portion of the flexible deposited fiber network includes a higher density of fibers than a second portion of the flexible deposited fiber network, and the tensile strength of first portion is higher than that of the second portion. The scaffold is sufficiently flexible to facilitate application of scaffold to uneven surfaces of the tissue substrate, and enables movement of the scaffold by the tissue substrate. The first and second set of fibers are configured to degrade within three months after application, and each fiber of the deposited fiber network has a diameter of 1-1000 nanometers.

A three-dimensional electrospun nanofiber scaffold for use in repairing a defect in a tissue substrate is provided. The scaffold includes a flexible deposited fiber network of varying density including a first and second set of set of electrospun fibers. The second set of electrospun fibers is coupled to the first. A first portion of the flexible deposited fiber network includes a higher density of fibers than a second portion of the flexible deposited fiber network, and the tensile strength of first portion is higher than that of the second portion. The scaffold is sufficiently flexible to facilitate application of scaffold to uneven surfaces of the tissue substrate, and enables movement of the scaffold by the tissue substrate. The first and second set of fibers are configured to degrade within three months after application, and each fiber of the deposited fiber network has a diameter of 1-1000 nanometers.

A medical appliance or prosthesis may comprise one or more layers of electrospun nanofibers, including electrospun polymers. The electrospun material may comprise layers including layers of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Electrospun nanofiber mats of certain porosities may permit tissue ingrowth into or attachment to the prosthesis.

A medical appliance or prosthesis may comprise one or more layers of electrospun nanofibers, including electrospun polymers. The electrospun material may comprise layers including layers of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Electrospun nanofiber mats of certain porosities may permit tissue ingrowth into or attachment to the prosthesis.

A multi-laminar electrospun nanofiber scaffold for use in repairing a defect in a tissue substrate is provided. The scaffold includes a first layer formed by a first plurality of electrospun polymeric fibers, and a second layer formed by a second plurality of electrospun polymeric fibers. The second layer is combined with the first layer. A first portion of the scaffold includes a higher density of fibers than a second portion of the scaffold, and the first portion has a higher tensile strength than the second portion. The scaffold is configured to degrade via hydrolysis after at least one of a predetermined time or an environmental condition. The scaffold is configured to be applied to the tissue substrate containing the defect, and is sufficiently flexible to facilitate application of the scaffold to uneven surfaces of the tissue substrate, and to enable movement of the scaffold by the tissue substrate.

A multi-laminar electrospun nanofiber scaffold for use in repairing a defect in a tissue substrate is provided. The scaffold includes a first layer formed by a first plurality of electrospun polymeric fibers, and a second layer formed by a second plurality of electrospun polymeric fibers. The second layer is combined with the first layer. A first portion of the scaffold includes a higher density of fibers than a second portion of the scaffold, and the first portion has a higher tensile strength than the second portion. The scaffold is configured to degrade via hydrolysis after at least one of a predetermined time or an environmental condition. The scaffold is configured to be applied to the tissue substrate containing the defect, and is sufficiently flexible to facilitate application of the scaffold to uneven surfaces of the tissue substrate, and to enable movement of the scaffold by the tissue substrate.

A method of making a microfiber implant. The method uses a fabrication apparatus that comprises a winding platform and a feeder head. The method comprises advancing a microfilament out of the feeder head towards the winding platform and making repeated windings of microfilament around the winding platform. While making the windings, the feeder head moves laterally relative to the winding platform. The feeder head could make multiple sweeps to stack layers of windings. This results in a microfiber patch that can then undergo further processing (e.g. applying a collagen coating) to result in the microfiber implant. Also disclosed are microfiber implants made by this winding technique and apparatus for performing the windings.

A method of making a microfiber implant. The method uses a fabrication apparatus that comprises a winding platform and a feeder head. The method comprises advancing a microfilament out of the feeder head towards the winding platform and making repeated windings of microfilament around the winding platform. While making the windings, the feeder head moves laterally relative to the winding platform. The feeder head could make multiple sweeps to stack layers of windings. This results in a microfiber patch that can then undergo further processing (e.g. applying a collagen coating) to result in the microfiber implant. Also disclosed are microfiber implants made by this winding technique and apparatus for performing the windings.

A method and an apparatus for manufacturing a linerless pressure vessel can be used for manufacturing a high pressure tank, by spinning of continuous fiber in a centrifugal direction.

A method and an apparatus for manufacturing a linerless pressure vessel can be used for manufacturing a high pressure tank, by spinning of continuous fiber in a centrifugal direction.