Technological advances move at an unprecedented speed. Every day, technical applications in different fields of science reach new levels. And nanotechnology is playing a leading role in this new era of knowledge.

The development of materials and equipment in nanometric and micrometric scale are the fundamental pillar of many current studies. Without the ability to produce fibers, polymers and nanometric devices these studies would simply not be possible.

With the rise of nanotechnology, and a growing interest in the production of microfiber and nanofiber using the electrospinning process, comes the rise in the need for specialist machinery.

The task for the electrospinning equipment manufacturer is both arduous and exciting. At the forefront of modern technology and its development and production, the potential for vastly improving human quality of life is huge. Even the current uses are just the tip of the iceberg as to what could be achieved in the future.

The manufacturers of electrospinning machines have to follow through very meticulous quality checks and maintain a consistently high standard, while still meeting the demands of an ever growing market for this technology, both from industry and the academic sectors.

The fields that can benefit are very varied. The use of nanometric technology is currently being explored in the following areas:

Nutraceuticals: related to pharmacy and nutrition
Immobilization of living cells: used in the application of in vitro processes and used to harness cells
Functional foods: the so-called functional nano-foods, microcapsules, etc.
Food packaging: it is intended to increase the shelf life of food, as well as preserve its properties.

These are some of the most innovative fields. The following areas are also exploring the possibilities:
Biomedical and tissue engineering
Cosmetics
Delivery of medicines
Micro and nano encapsulation
Catalysis
Energy storage
Functional textiles
Phase change material
Filtration and separation
Affinity membranes
Compounds and nanocomposites

The differences between the requirements for each field can be quite wide ranging. As such the manufacturing companies of electrospinning machines must be able to adapt to those needs easily.

Current manufacturing challenges


The demand for this type of equipment comes mainly from two areas: industry and academic development. Although there are similarities across both sectors, the requirements for machinery can be very different. This means that a company that specialises in producing the machinery must be able to manufacture suitable equipment that can suit both laboratory environments and production plants.

The selection of the correct type of machinery is essential to obtain the appropriate results.
For example, in the case of tissue engineering it is necessary to manufacture materials that meet specific characteristics.

In this field, three-dimensional structures that allow cell growth must be developed. To achieve this, the fiber must be of an adequate size, with the correct distribution of the pores.
This allows for the migration of cells, the formation of blood vessels and the diffusion or exchange of materials between cells.

In addition, these structures must provide the same functional characteristics as the replaced tissue, and be compatible with the organism to avoid rejection by the immune system.

It is vital that, in order to achieve outstanding results, the chosen manufacturer of machinery is of the highest quality. It is very important. Particularly when trusting the machinery to produce highly technical fibers, with the right polymers, but the right equipment.

Desirable characteristics in electrospinning machines


Although the specifications of each machine can vary depending on the particular needs, some of the features will include:
- A simple design and the possibility of using different materials and formulations;
- that is compact and light in such a way that allows for maximizing of space;
- Constructed with with easily cleanable materials

Similarly, the machinery needs to have an easy to use interface for operators, and a simple method for using extraction fans to remove and eliminate potentially harmful gases.

Depending on the specific requirements of each client, the company must be able to customize the machinery to adapt them to those needs.

All these factors influence the "usability" of the machines and ensure the designs are future proof against new technological developments. This is fundamental in the case of specialist equipment that requires considerable