Free Tuning Well Plates

Nanofibers can be produced with diameters from approximately 50 nm to well over a micron. Fiber spacing can range from less than 3 microns (about 110,000 fibers/mm²) to any desired  spacing or pattern. The relative positioning of fibers can be controlled with 50 nm precision. Fiber lengths generally exceed 60 microns for thinner fibers but decrease as fiber diameter increases. Thinner, longer fibers tend to sag under their own weight, with typical "canopy" heights of about 40 microns.

Yes.  Patterns can be varied from section-to-section or even fiber to fiber.  Each fiber can be placed exactly where it is needed to optimize cell behavior for any given application.

Yes, fiber stiffness can be adjusted by modifying fiber diameter. Material choice also impacts stiffness.

Our nanofiber scaffolds are currently made from polycaprolactone (PCL) on optically clear polycarbonate (PC) film substrates. The thickness of the PC is 125 microns, the equivalent of a #0 coverslip. Cells in the well bottoms only contact PCL, which is a bioabsorbable polymer commonly used in FDA-approved in vivo devices. Our well plates are also made from high quality PC.

Yes. A wide range of polymers have been used for nanofilm production, and others can be developed for future applications. Our technology is generally compatible with most thermoplastics and some thermosets.

No, hydrogels are unnecessary. Our collagen-like nanofibers already provide a superior 3D microenvironment.

Yes, USF nanofilms are compatible with common coatings. poly-amino acids and proteins.

Yes. Our well plates are made to standard dimensions and are compatible with liquid handling systems, microplate readers, robotic systems, and other standard lab equipment.

Yes, cells can be viewed in situ through our optically clear well bottoms. The polycarbonate is equivalent to a #0 coverslip specifically for inverted microscopy.

Not yet, but we plan to offer sterile versions soon. The nanofiber scaffolds are produced from molten polymer at >80°C and attached to well plates in a clean environment but are not yet certified sterile. We recommend cleaning with 70% ethanol/water solution followed by ultrapure water rinsing before use. Once wet, fibers should remain wet to avoid changes in the microenvironment upon drying. We plan to pursue radiation sterilization certification in early 2025.

Yes, our nanofibers are integrally and permanently attached to the underlying substrate. They are extremely difficult to remove, even with a razor blade. PCL fibers are bioabsorbable and may eventually degrade in vivo over weeks or months.

Yes, they can be stored at room temperature. While accelerated aging tests have not yet been conducted, we expect them to age similarly to standard 2D well plates.

Yes, other formats can be developed as needed. We will expand our offerings when there is sufficient demand.

Yes, our nanofiber scaffolds can be integrated into various formats, including T flasks, petri dishes, bioreactors, and parallel flow devices. We can batch-produce or scale up with roll-to-roll methods, producing scaffolds in widths greater than 30 cm. We welcome partnerships to develop applications for different needs.

Yes. We are happy to discuss custom solutions, but we will need to prioritize based on complexity and potential impact. If you're interested in customization, contact us to arrange a discussion.