Limited methods exist to integrate patterning of free-spanning hydrogel microfibres as part of an additive manufacturing strategy. We demonstrate 3D additive batch electrospinning (3D-abES) workflow to efficiently produce layered hydrogel gelatin microfibres, tethered to 3D printed thermoplastic structures of various shapes. Enabled by the digital-design approach, multiple 3D printed fibre devices can be fabricated in a batch efficiently with minimised sample-to-sample variance. Customised fibre patterns and device geometries can be rapidly altered to fit with potential applications in 6- to 24- well plate formats. The diameter of as-produced dry fibres is in a range of ∼2−4 μm. With the intended device applications in aqueous environments, we investigate the effect of combinations of processing parameters on the gelatin fibre integrity, and its swelling behaviour when immersed in water. Aided by the parametric study, patterns of swelling-induced fibre curling, from straight to wavy, can be tuned. Our findings could serve as a guide to optimise the 3D fabrication and patterning of electrospun hydrogel-like fibres made of crosslinked hydrophilic polymers and oligomers, for cell culture or bio-sensing applications.

存在有限的方法来整合自由跨度水凝胶微纤维的图案化作为增材制造策略的一部分。我们演示了3D添加剂批量静电纺（3D-abES）工作流程，以有效地生产分层的水凝胶明胶微纤维，并束缚在各种形状的3D打印热塑性结构上。通过数字设计方法，可以有效地批量生产多个3D打印光纤设备，并最大程度地减少样品间差异。可以快速更改定制的光纤图案和设备的几何形状，以适应6到24孔板格式的潜在应用。所产生的干纤维的直径在约2-4μm的范围内。针对特定设备在水性环境中的应用，我们研究了加工参数组合对明胶纤维完整性的影响，浸入水中时的膨胀行为。在参数研究的帮助下，可以调整溶胀诱导的纤维卷曲的方式，从直形到波浪形。我们的发现可为优化由交联的亲水性聚合物和低聚物制成的电纺水凝胶状纤维的3D制造和构图提供指导，以用于细胞培养或生物传感应用。