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Shan BH, Wu FG. Hydrogel-Based Growth Factor Delivery Platforms: Strategies and Recent Advances. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2210707. [PMID: 37009859 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202210707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Growth factors play a crucial role in regulating a broad variety of biological processes and are regarded as powerful therapeutic agents in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine in the past decades. However, their application is limited by their short half-lives and potential side effects in physiological environments. Hydrogels are identified as having the promising potential to prolong the half-lives of growth factors and mitigate their adverse effects by restricting them within the matrix to reduce their rapid proteolysis, burst release, and unwanted diffusion. This review discusses recent progress in the development of growth factor-containing hydrogels for various biomedical applications, including wound healing, brain tissue repair, cartilage and bone regeneration, and spinal cord injury repair. In addition, the review introduces strategies for optimizing growth factor release including affinity-based delivery, carrier-assisted delivery, stimuli-responsive delivery, spatial structure-based delivery, and cellular system-based delivery. Finally, the review presents current limitations and future research directions for growth factor-delivering hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai-Hui Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Devices, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 2 Sipailou Road, Nanjing, 210096, P. R. China
| | - Fu-Gen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Devices, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 2 Sipailou Road, Nanjing, 210096, P. R. China
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Kalvand E, Bakhshandeh H, Nadri S, Habibizadeh M, Rostamizadeh K. Poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL)/poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) nanofibers loaded by nanoparticles-containing TGF-β1 with linearly arranged transforming structure as a scaffold in cartilage tissue engineering. J Biomed Mater Res A 2023; 111:1838-1849. [PMID: 37395312 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to present a novel three-dimensional nanocomposite scaffold using poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL), containing transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1)-loaded chitosan-dextran nanoparticles and poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA), to make use of nanofibers and nanoparticles simultaneously. The electrospinning method fabricated a bead-free semi-aligned nanofiber composed of PLLA, PCL, and chitosan-dextran nanoparticles containing TGF-β1. A biomimetic scaffold was constructed with the desired mechanical properties, high hydrophilicity, and high porosity. Transmission electron microscopy findings showed a linear arrangement of nanoparticles along the core of fibers. Based on the results, burst release was not observed. The maximum release was achieved within 4 days, and sustained release was up to 21 days. The qRT-PCR results indicated an increase in the expression of aggrecan and collagen type Ι genes compared to the tissue culture polystyrene group. The results indicated the importance of topography and the sustained release of TGF-β1 from bifunctional scaffolds in directing the stem cell fate in cartilage tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Kalvand
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomaterials, School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Pasteur Institute of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering, Stem Cell Technology Research of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Haleh Bakhshandeh
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Pasteur Institute of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- New Technologies Research Group, Department of Nanobiotechnology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samad Nadri
- Zanjan Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mina Habibizadeh
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Kobra Rostamizadeh
- Zanjan Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
- Pharmaceutical Biomaterials Department, School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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Choi C, Yun E, Cha C. Emerging Technology of Nanofiber-Composite Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2300222. [PMID: 37530431 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogels and nanofibers have been firmly established as go-to materials for various biomedical applications. They have been mostly utilized separately, rarely together, because of their distinctive attributes and shortcomings. However, the potential benefits of integrating nanofibers with hydrogels to synergistically combine their functionalities while attenuating their drawbacks are increasingly recognized. Compared to other nanocomposite materials, incorporating nanofibers into hydrogel has the distinct advantage of emulating the hierarchical structure of natural extracellular environment needed for cell and tissue culture. The most important technological aspect of developing "nanofiber-composite hydrogel" is generating nanofibers made of various polymers that are cross-linked and short enough to maintain stable dispersion in hydrated environment. In this review, recent research efforts to develop nanofiber-composite hydrogels are presented, with added emphasis on nanofiber processing techniques. Several notable examples of implementing nanofiber-composite hydrogels for biomedical applications are also introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cholong Choi
- Center for Programmable Matter, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunhye Yun
- Center for Programmable Matter, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Chaenyung Cha
- Center for Programmable Matter, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
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Shi S, Ou X, Cheng D. How Advancing is Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Using Nanofiber Scaffolds? A Comprehensive Review of the Literature. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:6763-6779. [PMID: 38026517 PMCID: PMC10657550 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s436871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries present significant challenges in regenerative medicine, primarily due to inherent limitations in the body's natural healing processes. In response to these challenges and with the aim of enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration, nanofiber scaffolds have emerged as a promising and advanced intervention. However, a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanistic foundations that drive the favorable contributions of nanofiber scaffolds to nerve regeneration is essential. In this comprehensive review, we make an exploration of the latent potential of nanofiber scaffolds in augmenting peripheral nerve regeneration. This exploration includes a detailed introduction to the fabrication methods of nanofibers, an analysis of the intricate interactions between these scaffolds and cellular entities, an examination of strategies related to the controlled release of bioactive agents, an assessment of the prospects for clinical translation, an exploration of emerging trends, and thorough considerations regarding biocompatibility and safety. By comprehensively elucidating the intricate structural attributes and multifaceted functional capacities inherent in nanofiber scaffolds, we aim to offer a prospective and effective strategy for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyan Shi
- Department of Hand Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an Honghui Hospital North District, Xi’an, Shaanxi, 710000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuehai Ou
- Department of Hand Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an Honghui Hospital North District, Xi’an, Shaanxi, 710000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Deliang Cheng
- Department of Hand Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an Honghui Hospital North District, Xi’an, Shaanxi, 710000, People’s Republic of China
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Johnston A, Callanan A. Recent Methods for Modifying Mechanical Properties of Tissue-Engineered Scaffolds for Clinical Applications. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:biomimetics8020205. [PMID: 37218791 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8020205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The limited regenerative capacity of the human body, in conjunction with a shortage of healthy autologous tissue, has created an urgent need for alternative grafting materials. A potential solution is a tissue-engineered graft, a construct which supports and integrates with host tissue. One of the key challenges in fabricating a tissue-engineered graft is achieving mechanical compatibility with the graft site; a disparity in these properties can shape the behaviour of the surrounding native tissue, contributing to the likelihood of graft failure. The purpose of this review is to examine the means by which researchers have altered the mechanical properties of tissue-engineered constructs via hybrid material usage, multi-layer scaffold designs, and surface modifications. A subset of these studies which has investigated the function of their constructs in vivo is also presented, followed by an examination of various tissue-engineered designs which have been clinically translated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Johnston
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3DW, UK
| | - Anthony Callanan
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3DW, UK
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Modification, 3D printing process and application of sodium alginate based hydrogels in soft tissue engineering: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 232:123450. [PMID: 36709808 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Sodium alginate (SA) is an inexpensive and biocompatible biomaterial with fast and gentle crosslinking that has been widely used in biological soft tissue repair/regeneration. Especially with the advent of 3D bioprinting technology, SA hydrogels have been applied more deeply in tissue engineering due to their excellent printability. Currently, the research on material modification, molding process and application of SA-based composite hydrogels has become a hot topic in tissue engineering, and a lot of fruitful results have been achieved. To better help readers have a comprehensive understanding of the development status of SA based hydrogels and their molding process in tissue engineering, in this review, we summarized SA modification methods, and provided a comparative analysis of the characteristics of various SA based hydrogels. Secondly, various molding methods of SA based hydrogels were introduced, the processing characteristics and the applications of different molding methods were analyzed and compared. Finally, the applications of SA based hydrogels in tissue engineering were reviewed, the challenges in their applications were also analyzed, and the future research directions were prospected. We believe this review is of great helpful for the researchers working in biomedical and tissue engineering.
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Savari Kouzehkonan G, Motakef Kazemi N, Adabi M, Mosavi SE, Rezayat Sorkhabadi SM. Regeneration of sciatic nerve injury through nanofiber neural guidance channels containing collagen hydrogel and acetyl L carnitine: An in vitro and in vivo study. J BIOACT COMPAT POL 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/08839115221137654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Unlike the central nervous system (CNS), peripheral nervous system (PNS) injuries are partially repairable. Nerve guidance channels (NGCs) have been shown to improve the level of nerve repair after injury. In the present study, we developed a nanofiber NGC for the delivery of acetyl L carnitine (ALC) in a rat model of sciatic nerve injury. NGCs were produced by electrospinning a polymer blend of polycaprolacton and gelatin. The physicochemical and biological properties of developed scaffolds were investigated using Scanning electron microscopy, surface hydrophilicity measurement, porosity measurement, tensile strength studies, cell viability assay, and cell attachment assay. ALC was included in the collagen hydrogels at three weight ratios of 1%, 3%, and 5%. Cell viability assay showed that the hydrogels containing 5% ALC demonstrated a more favorable effect on PC-12 metabolic activity. Therefore, this concentration was chosen to treat PNS injury. The NGCs were implanted in rats and then their lumen was filled with collagen hydrogel + 5%ALC. The results of histopathological examinations and functional recovery studies showed that NGCs filled with ALC containing hydrogel have significant recovery potential compared to NGCs loaded with collagen hydrogels without ALC. Our results support the potential use of ALC-delivering NGCs in the treatment of peripheral nerve injury in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gholamreza Savari Kouzehkonan
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Motakef Kazemi
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Adabi
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyyedeh Elaheh Mosavi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahdi Rezayat Sorkhabadi
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Shokrani H, Shokrani A, Sajadi SM, Khodadadi Yazdi M, Seidi F, Jouyandeh M, Zarrintaj P, Kar S, Kim SJ, Kuang T, Rabiee N, Hejna A, Saeb MR, Ramakrishna S. Polysaccharide-based nanocomposites for biomedical applications: a critical review. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2022; 7:1136-1160. [PMID: 35881463 DOI: 10.1039/d2nh00214k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Polysaccharides (PSA) have taken specific position among biomaterials for advanced applications in medicine. Nevertheless, poor mechanical properties are known as the main drawback of PSA, which highlights the need for PSA modification. Nanocomposites PSA (NPSA) are a class of biomaterials widely used as biomedical platforms, but despite their importance and worldwide use, they have not been reviewed. Herein, we critically reviewed the application of NPSA by categorizing them into generic and advanced application realms. First, the application of NPSA as drug and gene delivery systems, along with their role in the field as an antibacterial platform and hemostasis agent is discussed. Then, applications of NPSA for skin, bone, nerve, and cartilage tissue engineering are highlighted, followed by cell encapsulation and more critically cancer diagnosis and treatment potentials. In particular, three features of investigations are devoted to cancer therapy, i.e., radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and photothermal therapy, are comprehensively reviewed and discussed. Since this field is at an early stage of maturity, some other aspects such as bioimaging and biosensing are reviewed in order to give an idea of potential applications of NPSA for future developments, providing support for clinical applications. It is well-documented that using nanoparticles/nanomaterials above a critical concentration brings about concerns of toxicity; thus, their effect on cellular interactions would become critical. We compared nanoparticles used in the fabrication of NPSA in terms of toxicity mechanism to shed more light on future challenging aspects of NPSA development. Indeed, the neutralization mechanisms underlying the cytotoxicity of nanomaterials, which are expected to be induced by PSA introduction, should be taken into account for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Shokrani
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources and International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, Nanjing Forestry University, 210037 Nanjing, China.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Shokrani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Ave., Tehran, Iran
| | - S Mohammad Sajadi
- Department of Nutrition, Cihan University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, 625, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Mohsen Khodadadi Yazdi
- Center of Excellence in Electrochemistry, School of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzad Seidi
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources and International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, Nanjing Forestry University, 210037 Nanjing, China.
| | - Maryam Jouyandeh
- Center of Excellence in Electrochemistry, School of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Payam Zarrintaj
- School of Chemical Engineering, Oklahoma State University, 420 Engineering North, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Saptarshi Kar
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Kuwait
| | - Seok-Jhin Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Tairong Kuang
- College of Material Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Navid Rabiee
- School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, South Korea
| | - Alexander Hejna
- Department of Polymer Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Mohammad Reza Saeb
- Department of Polymer Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Seeram Ramakrishna
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge, Crescent 119260, Singapore.
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Dhawan V, Cui XT. Carbohydrate based biomaterials for neural interface applications. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:4714-4740. [PMID: 35702979 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb00584k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Neuroprosthetic devices that record and modulate neural activities have demonstrated immense potential for bypassing or restoring lost neurological functions due to neural injuries and disorders. However, implantable electrical devices interfacing with brain tissue are susceptible to a series of inflammatory tissue responses along with mechanical or electrical failures which can affect the device performance over time. Several biomaterial strategies have been implemented to improve device-tissue integration for high quality and stable performance. Ranging from developing smaller, softer, and more flexible electrode designs to introducing bioactive coatings and drug-eluting layers on the electrode surface, such strategies have shown different degrees of success but with limitations. With their hydrophilic properties and specific bioactivities, carbohydrates offer a potential solution for addressing some of the limitations of the existing biomolecular approaches. In this review, we summarize the role of polysaccharides in the central nervous system, with a primary focus on glycoproteins and proteoglycans, to shed light on their untapped potential as biomaterials for neural implants. Utilization of glycosaminoglycans for neural interface and tissue regeneration applications is comprehensively reviewed to provide the current state of carbohydrate-based biomaterials for neural implants. Finally, we will discuss the challenges and opportunities of applying carbohydrate-based biomaterials for neural tissue interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishnavi Dhawan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Xinyan Tracy Cui
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Iliou K, Kikionis S, Ioannou E, Roussis V. Marine Biopolymers as Bioactive Functional Ingredients of Electrospun Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Biomedical Applications. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20050314. [PMID: 35621965 PMCID: PMC9143254 DOI: 10.3390/md20050314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine biopolymers, abundantly present in seaweeds and marine animals, feature diverse structures and functionalities, and possess a wide range of beneficial biological activities. Characterized by high biocompatibility and biodegradability, as well as unique physicochemical properties, marine biopolymers are attracting a constantly increasing interest for the development of advanced systems for applications in the biomedical field. The development of electrospinning offers an innovative technological platform for the production of nonwoven nanofibrous scaffolds with increased surface area, high encapsulation efficacy, intrinsic interconnectivity, and structural analogy to the natural extracellular matrix. Marine biopolymer-based electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds with multifunctional characteristics and tunable mechanical properties now attract significant attention for biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, and wound healing. The present review, covering the literature up to the end of 2021, highlights the advancements in the development of marine biopolymer-based electrospun nanofibers for their utilization as cell proliferation scaffolds, bioadhesives, release modifiers, and wound dressings.
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Cheng Y, Zhang Y, Wu H. Polymeric Fibers as Scaffolds for Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 9:807533. [PMID: 35223816 PMCID: PMC8864123 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.807533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complex neurological condition caused by trauma, inflammation, and other diseases, which often leads to permanent changes in strength and sensory function below the injured site. Changes in the microenvironment and secondary injuries continue to pose challenges for nerve repair and recovery after SCI. Recently, there has been progress in the treatment of SCI with the use of scaffolds for neural tissue engineering. Polymeric fibers fabricated by electrospinning have been increasingly used in SCI therapy owing to their biocompatibility, complex porous structure, high porosity, and large specific surface area. Polymer fibers simulate natural extracellular matrix of the nerve fiber and guide axon growth. Moreover, multiple channels of polymer fiber simulate the bundle of nerves. Polymer fibers with porous structure can be used as carriers loaded with drugs, nerve growth factors and cells. As conductive fibers, polymer fibers have electrical stimulation of nerve function. This paper reviews the fabrication, characterization, and application in SCI therapy of polymeric fibers, as well as potential challenges and future perspectives regarding their application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanpei Cheng
- Department of Orthopeadics, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yanbo Zhang
- Department of Orthopeadics, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Han Wu
- Department of Orthopeadics, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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