Patent ID: 8580181

Claim:
A method of forming an array of nanofibers comprising: electrospinning a first nanofiber from an electrospinning nozzle, the electrospinning nozzle defining an axis; depositing the first nanofiber at a deposition area, the deposition area being defined by a first conductive collection surface and a second conductive collection surface, the first and second conductive collection surfaces being separated from one another by a space, wherein the first nanofiber is of finite length defined between a first end of the first nanofiber and a second end of the first nanofiber such that the first end of the first nanofiber is adhered to the first conductive collection surface and the second end of the first nanofiber is adhered to the second conductive collection surface; moving the first conductive collection surface and the second conductive collection surface such that the first nanofiber is moved in a direction away from the deposition area and into a collection compartment; electrospinning a second nanofiber from the electrospinning nozzle; depositing the second nanofiber at the deposition area subsequent to the motion of the first nanofiber away from the deposition area and into the collection compartment; moving the first collection surface and the second collection surface such that the second nanofiber is moved in a direction away from the deposition area and into the collection compartment, the first and second nanofibers being aligned with one another and spaced apart from one another within the collection compartment, the first and second nanofibers being substantially perpendicular to the axis of the electrospinning nozzle.