Abstract
Previously, the nanofibers were predominantly fabricated from synthetic polymers due to their excellent mechanical properties. Understanding the different complex processes in fabrication and various process parameters involved have not only allowed the use of natural polymers for fabricating nanofibers but also broadened the scope of applications. To date, many of the natural polymeric composites have been fabricated by different functionalization techniques to increase their applicability. Nanofibers fabricated from natural polymers have been chemically functionalized by a variety of molecules like drugs, enzymes, metal ions etc. by techniques such as plasma treatment, wet chemical method, graft polymerization and co-electrospinning of surface-active molecules. Furthermore, the nanofibers derived from natural polymers have been surface-coated on the synthetic polymers to induce extracellular matrix mirroring properties like cell adhesion, migration, proliferation and differentiation. In this review, we have not only investigated the various novel and facile functionalization approaches but potential properties and applications are discussed as well. The various surface chemistry modifications of the natural polymeric nanofibers and their potential applications in drug delivery, enzymology, catalysis, filtration, biosensing and tissue engineering are discussed. In addition, a brief presentation of an overview of challenges and future scope with the aim of making them a clinical success has been presented.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.