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A biocompatible artificial tendril with a spontaneous 3D Janus multi-helix-perversion configuration

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DOI

A helical perversion as a singularity structure is widely seen in nature, such as a climbing plant tendril, which is referred to as a kinked state connecting two helices with opposite chirality. Although previous macroscale elastic bistrip systems have been used to fabricate multiple helix-perversion structures, it is still challenging to obtain multi-perversions on the microscale. Herein, we have for the first time, discovered an interesting phenomenon when PCL microcoils were assembled on PEO/PCL microstems using wet, side-by-side electrospinning which combines side-by-side electrospinning with coagulation bath collection. Such side-by-side electrospun Janus microfibers, due to the mismatch strain between the two jets in the coagulation bath, are transformed into 3D multi-helix-perversion microstructures through self-scrolling. On the 3D multi-helix-perversion microstructures, the growth of HUVECs (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) are observed with a preferential cell distribution of around 86% on the PCL microcoils. Simultaneously, higher focal adhesion, enhanced cell proliferation and elongation are also exhibited by the PCL microcoils, leading to a distinctive 3D Janus cellular pattern. Such novel 3D multi-helix-perversion microstructures have great potential in 3D Janus biomaterials for adjustable cell patterning.

Original languageEnglish
JournalMaterials Chemistry Frontiers
Volume4
Issue7
Pages (from-to)2149-2156
Number of pages8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2020

    Research areas

  • EXPRESSION, FABRICATION, FIBERS, HYDROGEL, IMPROVES, MECHANICS, SCAFFOLDS, SHAPE

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