A Deeper Insight into the Influence of the Electric Field Strength When Melt‐Electrowriting on Non‐Planar Surfaces
Uttariyo Saha, Rory Nairn, Orla Keenan, Michael G. Monaghan
Abstract
Abstract Defined structures for tissue engineering can be achieved by a variety of techniques, one of which includes melt‐electrowriting (MEW), a technology that deposits spatially defined microfibers of a molten polymer across an electric field. In this study, the authors investigate how to microfabricate biomaterial‐meshes using MEW to non‐planar surfaces that will have more applicability to anatomical structures. By modeling the electric field strength associated with MEW, it is found that incorporation of a non‐conductive 3D printed mould on the conductive collector plate offers the ability to accurately print patterns on non‐planar surfaces successfully. Importantly, if the applied voltage at the nozzle or collector plate is kept constant in the MEW process, the electrostatic behavior of the deposited polymer, and the electric field strength between the collector and nozzle (which is greatest at the nozzle) has the greatest impact on the accuracy of fiber patterning and stacking. Consequently, controlled fiber deposition is exhibited, provided that a constant voltage and a constant vertical distance between the nozzle and the mould are maintained. Overall, this study establishes the groundwork to support further developments in MEW technologies, from flat to anatomically relevant 3D structures in the fields of regenerative medicine and biofabrication.