Instant in-situ Tissue Repair by Biodegradable PLA/Gelatin Nanofibrous Membrane Using a 3D Printed Handheld Electrospinning Device

Abstract

Background: This study aims to design a 3D printed handheld electrospinning device and evaluate its effect on the rapid repair of mouse skin wounds. Methods: The device was developed by Solidworks and printed by Object 350 photosensitive resin printer. The polylactic acid (PLA)/gelatin blend was used as the raw material to fabricate in-situ degradable nanofiber scaffolds. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and water vapor permeability test were used to evaluate the material properties of the scaffolds; cytotoxicity test was performed to evaluate material/residual solvent toxicity, and in situ tissue repair experiments in Balb/c mouse were performed. Results: The 3D printed handheld electrospinning device successfully fabricates PLA/gelatin nanofibrous membrane with uniformly layered nanofibers and good biocompatibility. Animal experiments showed that the mice in the experimental group had complete skin repair. Conclusions: The 3D printed handheld device can achieve in situ repair of full-thickness defects in mouse skin.