Abstract
Electrospinning has emerged as an effective method of producing nanoscale fibers for use in multiple fields of study. One area of significant interest is nanofiber utilization for tissue engineering because the nanofibrous mats can mimic the native extracellular matrix of biological tissues. A logical next step is the inclusion of certain molecules and compounds to accelerate or increase the efficacy of tissue regeneration. Two methods are under scrutiny for their capability to encapsulate therapeutic compounds within electrospun nanofibers: emulsion and coaxial electrospinning. Both have advantages and disadvantages, which need to be taken into careful consideration when deciding to use them in a specific application. Several examples are provided here to highlight the vast potential of multilayered nanofibers as well as the emergence of new techniques to produce three-dimensional scaffolds of nanofibers for use in the field of tissue engineering.
Highlights
The primary issue encountered in utilizing nonbiodegradable materials is that they remain in place if they are implanted into the human body
Biodegradable polyesters such as polyglycolic acid (PGA), poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), and polycaprolactone (PCL) were examined with the intent of creating biodegradable nanofibers that may be implanted into the human body and dissolved slowly over time with few, if any, deleterious effects
Coaxial nanofibers with a core containing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and a shell composed of polyurethane were produced and demonstrated more efficient and even loading of the factor into the nanofibers when compared to simple electrospinning
Summary
The technique known as electrospinning was discovered and described over a century ago[1] as a derivative of electrospraying, a method that utilizes electrostatic forces to generate polymer droplets.[2,3,4,5] At the outset of electrospinning development, at least 11 patents were issued to Formhals over the course of *10 years (1934–1944). A few factors often altered when solvent-based methods are employed include applied voltage, distance between the electrospinning tip and collector, solvent volatility, electrical conductivity of the solution, and solution viscosity These parameters have significant effects on the morphological characteristics of the formed nanofibers. Skin ulcers associated with Leishmaniasis were treated effectively through the use of electrospun mats which were designed to release nitric oxide upon the addition of a small amount of water.[36] The primary issue encountered in utilizing nonbiodegradable materials is that they remain in place if they are implanted into the human body To circumvent this problem, biodegradable polyesters such as polyglycolic acid (PGA), poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), and polycaprolactone (PCL) were examined with the intent of creating biodegradable nanofibers that may be implanted into the human body and dissolved slowly over time with few, if any, deleterious effects. A similar situation was mentioned by Owen et al in a study of rat osteoblasts grown in vitro.[74]
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