Structural characterization of electrospun scaffolds by image analysis techniques

Understanding the influence of electrospun scaffold architecture (fiber diameter, pore size, and fiber orientation) on morphology, adhesion, proliferation, differentiation and organization of different kinds of cells and mechanical behavior leads to engineering the functional tissue for reconstruction by controlling the electrospinning process. Quantifying the fiber architectural features provides the ability to access this influence. The aim of this research is characterizing the electrospun scaffold topology including fiber diameter, pore size and fiber orientation using an image-based analysis approach. To investigate the algorithm performance, the images of electrospun polycaprolactone scaffolds using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were prepared. This image-based analysis technique not only combines fast and precise analysis of computer-based programs but also makes the reliable results to identify the fiber network morphology.