Review paper: a review of the cellular response on electrospun nanofibers for tissue engineering

J Biomater Appl. 2009 Jul;24(1):7-29. doi: 10.1177/0885328208099086. Epub 2008 Dec 12.

Abstract

Electrospinning has been employed extensively in tissue engineering to generate nanofibrous scaffolds from either natural or synthetic biodegradable polymers to simulate the cellular microenvironment. Electrospinning rapidly produces fibers of the nanolength scale and the process offers many opportunities to tailor the physical, chemical, and biological properties of a material for specific applications and cellular environments. There is growing evidence that nanofibers amplify certain biological responses such as contact guidance and differentiation, however this has not been fully exploited in tissue engineering. This review addresses the cellular interactions with electrospun scaffolds, with particular focus on neural, bone, cartilage, and vascular tissue regeneration. Some aspects of scaffold design, including architectural properties, surface functionalization and materials selection are also addressed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Cell Culture Techniques / methods
  • Cell Physiological Phenomena*
  • Electrochemical Techniques / methods*
  • Humans
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanotechnology / methods
  • Regenerative Medicine / methods
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*
  • Tissue Scaffolds

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials