Electrohydrodynamic atomization: a versatile process for preparing materials for biomedical applications

Abstract

Electrohydrodynamic atomization phenomena have increasingly attracted the attention of researchers who are interested in building micro- or nanometer architectures, such as fibers and encapsulated particles with a controllable microstructure. There are two main electrohydrodynamic atomization techniques: electrospraying and electrospinning. These techniques are unique processes in that they produce fibers and particles with dimensions that range from micrometers to nanometers depending on the processing parameters. This paper presents the principles, processes and potential biomedical applications for electrospraying and electrospinning of biomaterials. Both of these techniques offer great research opportunities. Emphasis will focus on the effects of processing parameters of electrohydrodynamic atomization on morphologies and microstructure of the final products. In addition, some potential applications are proposed based on the remarkable characteristics of the biomaterials generated using electrospraying and electrospinning.

Keywords:

• ELECTROSPRAYING
• ELECTROSPINNING
• BIOMATERIALS
• BIOMEDICAL APPLICATION
• TISSUE ENGINEERING
• DRUG DELIVERY