Electrospun nanofibrous tissue scaffolds

Abstract Electrospun nanofibers have attracted increasing interest as a tissue-engineering scaffold. This can be attributed to the relative simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the electrospinning process for the creation of nanofibrous structures that have unique characteristics that are favorable for tissue regeneration. The topography of the electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds resembles that of the natural extracellular matrix of human tissues. The ultra-high surface area to volume ratio and 3D interconnected porosity of the scaffolds enhance cell attachment and proliferation. Various materials including biodegradable, nondegradable, and natural polymers have been electrospun into randomly oriented or aligned fibers, thus providing many mechanisms for the tuning of degradation rates, mechanical properties, and biological response of the scaffolds for specific tissue applications. This chapter introduces recent advancement and discoveries of electrospinning technology for tissue regeneration applications with a focus on surface and structural modification of nanofiber matrix. Recent in vitro and in vivo assessment of electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds are also discussed in relation to soft and hard tissue regeneration.