Advancing tissue engineering by using electrospun nanofibers

Ashammakhi N., Ndreu A., Nikkola L., Wimpenny I., Yang Y.

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE, vol.3, no.4, pp.547-574, 2008 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 3 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2008
  • Doi Number: 10.2217/17460751.3.4.547
  • Journal Name: REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.547-574
  • Keywords: drug release, electrospinning, multifunctional, nanobiomaterials, nanofiber, nanotechnology, regeneration, scaffold, tissue engineering, MESENCHYMAL STEM-CELLS, NORMAL HUMAN KERATINOCYTES, SMOOTH-MUSCLE-CELLS, AMORPHOUS DRUG DISPERSIONS, POLY-EPSILON-CAPROLACTONE, DIAMETER VASCULAR GRAFT, OXIDE RELEASING PATCH, IN-VITRO, MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES, BONE REGENERATION
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Electrospinning is a versatile technique that enables the development of nanofiber-based scaffolds, from a variety of polymers that may have drug-release properties. Using nanofibers, it is now possible to produce biomimetic scaffolds that can mimic the extracellular matrix for tissue engineering. Interestingly, nanofibers can guide cell growth along their direction. Combining factors like fiber diameter, alignment and chemicals offers new ways to control tissue engineering. In vivo evaluation of nanomats included their degradation, tissue reactions and engineering of specific tissues. New advances made in electrospinning, especially in drug delivery, support the massive potential of these nanobiomaterials. Nevertheless, there is already at least one product based on electrospun nanofibers with drug-release properties in a Phase III clinical trial, for wound dressing. Hopefully, clinical applications in tissue engineering will follow to enhance the success of regenerative therapies.