Electrospun synthetic and natural nanofibers for regenerative medicine and stem cells

• Published in: Biotechnology journal Vol. 8; no. 1; pp. 59 - 72
• Main Authors: Kai, Dan, Jin, Guorui, Prabhakaran, Molamma P., Ramakrishna, Seeram
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim WILEY-VCH Verlag 01-01-2013; WILEY‐VCH Verlag
• Subjects: Animals; Cell infiltration; Electrospinning; Humans; Nanofibers; Regenerative Medicine - methods; Stem cell differentiation; Stem Cells - cytology; Tissue engineering; Tissue Engineering - methods; Tissue Scaffolds
• ISSN: 1860-6768; 1860-7314
• DOI: 10.1002/biot.201200249

Nanofibers are attractive substrates for tissue regeneration applications because they structurally mimic the native extracellular matrix. Electrospinning has been recognized as one of the most efficient techniques to fabricate polymer nanofibers. Recent research has demonstrated that cellular responses, for example attachment, proliferation and differentiation, can be modulated by tuning nanofiber properties. In combination with other processing techniques, such as particulate leaching or three‐dimensional printing, nanofibrous scaffolds incorporating macroporous networks could be developed to enhance infiltration of cells. Three dimensional nanofiber‐based constructs offer an opportunity to achieve advanced functional tissue regeneration. This review explores the advantageous effects of nanofibers on cell behaviors compared to traditional scaffolds.
Electrospun nanofibers can influence cellular behavior. Nanofibers are attractive for use in tissue regeneration because they structurally mimic the native extracelluar matrix. Electrospinning has become one of the most efficient techniques for the fabrication of polymer nanofibers. Cellular activities, such as attachment, proliferation and differentiation, can be modulated by tuning the nanofiber properties including chemical composition, fiber morphology, diameter and alignment. This review explores the advantages of nanofibers compared to traditional scaffolds.