David J Welker

US Patent:

7837913, Nov 23, 2010

Filed:

Aug 10, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/200982

Inventors:

Jeff S. Sakamoto - San Gabriel CA, US
James R. Weiss - Pasadena CA, US
Jean-Pierre Fleurial - Altadena CA, US
Adam Kisor - Burbank CA, US
Mark Tuszynski - La Jolla CA, US
Shula Stokols - La Jolla CA, US
Todd Edward Holt - Vancouver WA, US
David James Welker - Vancouver WA, US
Christopher David Breckon - Ruston WA, US

Assignee:

California Institute of Technology - Pasadena CA

International Classification:

B29B 17/00
B29B 44/04
B01D 24/00

US Classification:

264 48, 264344, 264 49, 210508, 210505, 424423, 424 937, 428357, 42831151, 623 149, 977896

Abstract:

Millimeter to nano-scale structures manufactured using a multi-component polymer fiber matrix are disclosed. The use of dissimilar polymers allows the selective dissolution of the polymers at various stages of the manufacturing process. In one application, biocompatible matrixes may be formed with long pore length and small pore size. The manufacturing process begins with a first polymer fiber arranged in a matrix formed by a second polymer fiber. End caps may be attached to provide structural support and the polymer fiber matrix selectively dissolved away leaving only the long polymer fibers. These may be exposed to another product, such as a biocompatible gel to form a biocompatible matrix. The polymer fibers may then be selectively dissolved leaving only a biocompatible gel scaffold with the pores formed by the dissolved polymer fibers.