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

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> This study aims to design a 3D printed handheld electrospinning device and evaluate its effect on the rapid repair of mouse skin wounds. <b>Methods:</b> 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 <i>in-situ</i> 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 <i>in situ</i> tissue repair experiments in Balb/c mouse were performed. <b>Results:</b> 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. <b>Conclusions:</b> The 3D printed handheld device can achieve <i>in situ</i> repair of full-thickness defects in mouse skin.