Novel Biologically Inspired Collagen Nanofibers Reconstituted by Electrospinning Method

The possibility to prepare bioinspired collagen nanofibers by electrospinning from aqueous suspension of telopeptide-free collagen molecules avoiding both organic solvents and blends with any synthetic and natural polymers has been investigated. The results have highlighted the need for a basic atmosphere between the needle and the ground collector in order to increase the environmental pH during the collagen molecules self-assembly along the electrostatic force lines. Morphological, spectroscopic and calorimetric analyses carried out on the electrospun collagen nanofibers have opened the possibility to take advantage of this new approach in order to prepare an ideal biomimetic reinforcing component of new biomedical and surgical biomaterials.