Nanofibers are produced having a diameter ranging from about 4 .ANG. to 1
nm, and a nano denier of about 10.sup.-9. The use of the electro-spinning
process permits production of the desired nanofibrils. These fibrils in
combination with a carrier or strengthening fibers/filaments can be
converted directly into nonwoven fibrous assemblies or converted into
linear assemblies(yarns) before weaving, braiding or knitting into
2-dimensional and 3-dimensional fabrics. The electrospun fiber can be fed
in an air vortex spinning apparatus developed to form a linear fibrous
assembly. The process makes use of an air stream in a properly confined
cavity. The vortex of air provides a gentle means to convert a mixture of
the fibril fed directly or indirectly from the ESP unit and a fiber mass
or filament into an integral assembly with proper level of orientation.
Incorporation of thus produced woven products into tissue engineering is
part of the present invention.