Nanofibrous scaffolds in biomedical applications

Biomater Res. 2014 Jun 13:18:5. doi: 10.1186/2055-7124-18-5. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

Nanofibrous scaffolds are artificial extracellular matrices which provide natural environment for tissue formation. In comparison to other forms of scaffolds, the nanofibrous scaffolds promote cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation more efficiently due to having high surface to volume ratio. Although scaffolds for tissue engineering have been fabricated by various techniques but electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds have shown great potential in the fields of tissue engineering and regeneration. This review highlights the applications and importance of electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds in various fields of biomedical applications ranging from drug delivery to wound healing. Attempts have also been made to highlights the advantages and disadvantages of nanofirbous scaffolds fabricated for biomedical applications using technique of electrospinning. The role of various factors controlling drug distribution in electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds is also discussed to increase the therapeutic efficiency of nanofibrous scaffolds in wound healing and drug delivery applications.

Keywords: Bioactive agent; Drug delivery; Electrospinning; Tissue engineering; Wound healing.

Publication types

  • Review