Preparation and Study of TPU/Collagen Complex Nanofiber via Electrospinning

Electrospinning (e-spinning) is a method used in tissue engineering. A series of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/collagen blend nanofibrous membranes was prepared with various weight ratios and concentrations via e-spinning. The morphology and diameter of electrospun (e-spun) nanofibers were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The fiber diameter was influenced by both polymer concentration and blend weight ratio of collagen to TPU. The average nanofiber diameter gradually decreased with increasing collagen content in the blend. Molecular interactions in the TPU/collagen complex were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). No intermolecular bonds were observed between the TPU and collagen molecules. The blended nanofibers were designed to mimic the native extracellular matrix for tissue engineering and for developing functional biomaterials.