Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

Fall 1-31-2015

Degree Name

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering - (M.S.)

Department

Biomedical Engineering

First Advisor

Michael Jaffe

Second Advisor

Treena Livingston Arinzeh

Third Advisor

Bryan J. Pfister

Abstract

Electrospinning is a process that uses electrostatic forces to produce nanofibers, or fibers in the nano scale. Nanofibers are widely used in many fields like drug delivery and tissue engineering. Nowadays, it is gaining much attention in the research community as an advantageous process. However, there are many parameters that controlnanofiber formation. This research intends to develop a model of electrospinning on the basis of an inkjet printer technique by using a computer aided simulation (COMSOL). Inkjet printing is a technique that delivers small volumes at high repetitions which can betransported by electrostatic forces through the air onto their intended target. The similarity of electrospinning and inkjet printing can be seen in the method of delivering the solution whether it is ink or a polymer to its intended target. Inkjet printing technique is controlled and reproducible while electrospinning has a certain level of control which creates variability from lot-to-lot. Taking the combined parameters of inkjet printing and electrospinning can help create more controlled experiments and reproducible results.

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.