Abstract
Tissue engineering aims to develop artificial human tissues by culturing cells on a scaffold in the presence of biochemical cues. Properties of scaffold such as architecture and composition highly influence the overall cell response. Electrospinning has emerged as one of the most affordable, versatile, and successful approaches to develop nonwoven nano/microscale fibrous scaffolds whose structural features resemble that of the native extracellular matrix. However, dense packing of the fibers leads to small-sized pores which obstruct cell infiltration and therefore is a major limitation for their use in tissue engineering applications. To this end, a variety of approaches have been investigated to enhance the pore properties of the electrospun scaffolds. In this review, we collect state-of-the-art modification methods and summarize them into six classes as follows: approaches focused on optimization of packing density by (a) conventional setup, (b) sequential or co-electrospinning setups, (c) involving sacrificial elements, (d) using special collectors, (e) post-production processing, and (f) other specialized methods. Overall, this review covers historical as well as latest methodologies in the field and therefore acts as a quick reference for those interested in electrospinning matrices for tissue engineering and beyond.
Highlights
With the emergence of nanotechnology, researchers are more interested in developing and studying nano- and sub-micron scale fibrous materials for a variety of applications [1]
Amongst an array of fabrication techniques such as bi-component extrusion, drawing, phase separation, template synthesis, self-assembly, meltblown technology, centrifugal spinning, and electrospinning, the latter method has gained attention of many as a simple, cost-effective, versatile voltage-driven process to produce fibers ranging in diameter from a few microns down to tens of nanometer [2]
Tissue engineering is an emerging interdisciplinary field that aims to regenerate/reconstruct/repair damaged or lost tissues/organs in humans using a combination of cells, scaffolds, and biochemical cues (Figure 3a) [19]
Summary
With the emergence of nanotechnology, researchers are more interested in developing and studying nano- and sub-micron scale fibrous materials for a variety of applications [1]. Upon applying high voltage, the electrostatic repulsions dominate the surface tension and formation of a smooth continuous jet (b). Before the jet reaches the grounded collector, the solvent principle, applying high voltage, the electrostatic repulsions dominate the surfacecollector, tension and lead to the upon formation of a smooth continuous jet (b). Second category describes the use of two or more electrospinning setups together either in sequential or in concurrent fashion in order to manipulate the fiber diameter and density (Section 3.2). The review, is comprehensive and up to date in its scope
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: 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.
