Diseño y construcción de una máquina de electrohilado vertical de 0 a 50 kV para generar nanofibras a base de polímero colágeno

Abstract

This technical project aimed to design and construct a vertical electrospinning machine with an operating range of 0 to 50 kV for the production of collagen-based nanofibers with applications in biomaterials and tissue engineering. Equipment development was grounded in the analysis of critical electrospinning process parameters and component selection through weighted decision matrices. The methodology encompassed the mechanical and electromechanical design of the injection system, driven by a NEMA 23 stepper motor, ZK-SMC01 controller, and TB6600 driver configured at 6400 microsteps, achieving continuous and pulse-free volumetric control. A 0– 50 kV high-voltage power supply was integrated alongside a cabin featuring dielectric insulation and electromagnetic shielding based on the Faraday cage principle, ensuring protection of electronic components and operator safety. Experimental validation employed commercial gelatin dissolved in acetic acid as an experimental analog for collagen. Through visual inspection, metallurgical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), stabilization of the Taylor cone and formation of continuous fibrillar structures were confirmed. Optimal operating parameters were established at 25 kV applied voltage, 9 cm needle-to-collector distance, and 1 ml/h injection flow rate, yielding nanofibers with a minimum average diameter of 947.84 nm. The equipment was developed with a total investment of USD 2,028.34, becoming the first system of this capacity at the faculty.