Electrospun cell matrices

Abstract

The invention is directed to compositions and methods for preparing electrospun matrices comprising at least one natural biological material component and at least one synthetic polymer material. The natural component makes the matrices highly biocompatible while the molecular weight polymer component can impart additional strength mechanical strength to the scaffold and/or improve ease of manufacture by increasing viscosity and spinning characteristics of the solution during electrospining.

1 . An electrospun matrix comprising at least one natural component and at least one synthetic polymer component, wherein the matrix has a three-dimensional ultrastructure of interconnected fibers and pores to permit cell attachment and sufficient mechanical strength to withstand physiological conditions.  
   
   
       2 . The matrix of  claim 1  wherein the natural component further comprises collagen.  
   
   
       3 . The matrix of  claim 2 , wherein the collagen is selected from the group consisting of collagen I, collagen II, collagen III, collagen IV, collagen V, collagen VI, collagen VII, collagen VIII, collagen IX, and collagen X.  
   
   
       4 . The matrix of  claim 2 , wherein the collagen is collagen I.  
   
   
       5 . The matrix of  claim 2 , wherein the collagen comprises from about 5 percent to about 95 percent by weight of the matrix.  
   
   
       6 . The matrix of  claim 1 , wherein the natural component further comprises elastin.  
   
   
       7 . The matrix of  claim 6 , wherein the elastin comprises from about 5 percent to about 95 percent by weight of the matrix.  
   
   
       8 . The matrix of  claim 1 , wherein the natural component further comprises both collagen and elastin.  
   
   
       9 . The matrix of  claim 1 , wherein the synthetic polymer is selected from the group consisting of poly(lactic acid) polymers, poly(glycolic acid) polymers, poly(lactide-co-glycolides) (PLGA), poly(urethanes), poly(siloxanes) or silicones, poly(ethylene), poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), poly(2-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate), poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone), poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly(acrylic acid), poly(vinyl acetate), polyacrylamide, poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate), poly(ethylene glycol), poly(methacrylic acid), polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acids (PGA), nylons, polyamides, polyanhydrides, poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (EVOH), polycaprolactone, poly(vinyl acetate), polyvinylhydroxide, poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), and polyorthoesters or a co-polymer formed from at least two members of the group.  
   
   
       10 . The matrix of  claim 1 , wherein the synthetic polymer is poly(lactide-co-glycolides) (PLGA).  
   
   
       11 . The matrix of  claim 1 , wherein the amount of synthetic polymer ranges from about 5 percent to about 50 percent.  
   
   
       12 . An electrospun matrix comprising collagen I in an amount in the range of about 15%-75%, elastin in an amount in the range of about 1%-30%, and poly(lactide-co-glycolides) (PLGA) in an amount in the range of about 10%-70%, wherein the matrix has a three-dimensional ultrastructure of interconnected fibers and pores to permit cell attachment.  
   
   
       13 . The matrix of  claim 12 , wherein the collagen I is in an amount of 40-50%, elastin is in an amount of 10-20%, and poly(lactide-co-glycolides) (PLGA) is in an amount of 30-50%, wherein the matrix has a three-dimensional ultrastructure of interconnected fibers and pores that provide an optimal surface area for attachment of cells.  
   
   
       14 . A method of preparing an electrospun matrix, comprising: 
 electrically charging a solution comprising at least one natural component and at least one synthetic polymer component; and    discharging the electrically charged solution onto a grounded target under an electrostatic field such that movement of the electrically charged solution under the electric field causes the electrically charged solution to evaporate and produce fibers of the matrix on the grounded target.    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the step of discharging the electrically charged solution comprises discharging the solution at a voltage in the range of about 15-30 kV.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the grounded target is selected from the group consisting of a rotating drum, a rotating mandrel, and a planar surface.