Creating Electrospun Nanofiber-Based Biomimetic Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration

Nanofibrous scaffolds for biomedical applications

Tissue engineering is an emergent and very interesting research field, providing potential solutions for a myriad of challenges in healthcare. Fibrous scaffolds specifically have shown promise as an effective tissue engineering method, as their high length-to-width ratio mimics that of extracellular matrix components, which in turn guides tissue formation, promotes cellular adhesion and improves mechanical properties. In this review paper, we discuss in detail both the importance of fibrous scaffolds for the promotion of tissue growth and the different methods to produce fibrous biomaterials to possess favorable and unique characteristics. Here, we focus on the pressing need to develop biomimetic structures that promote an ideal environment to encourage tissue formation. In addition, we discuss different biomedical applications in which fibrous scaffolds can be useful, identifying their importance, relevant aspects, and remaining significant challenges. In conclusion, we provide comments on the future direction of fibrous scaffolds and the best way to produce them, proposed in light of recent technological advances and the newest and most promising fabrication techniques.

Cellulose nanowhiskers and fiber alignment greatly improve mechanical properties of electrospun prolamin protein fibers

Electrospun fibers from natural polymers must possess appropriate mechanical properties if they are to be functional in numerous applications. In this research, two convenient physical approaches were applied to reinforce the assembled hordein/zein electrospun nanofabrics: incorporation of surface-modified cellulose nanowhiskers (SCN) and fiber alignment. The mechanical properties and stability of the modified fibers were tested in relation to fiber morphology and structure as characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. SCN modified by quaternary ammonium salt were well-dispersed in hordein/zein networks, leading to fibers with significantly improved mechanical properties and water resistance. With the addition of 3 wt % SCN, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of hordein/zein fibers increased from 4.36 ± 0.29 to 7.79 ± 0.36 MPa and from 195.80 ± 13.02 to 396.64 ± 18.33 MPa, respectively, and the elongation at break was retained because of the formation of a percolating network of SCN. The alignment of electrospun fibers strengthened the hordein/zein nanofabrics in both tangential and normal directions to 17.26 ± 1.41 and 14.02 ± 0.74 MPa, respectively, by not only altering the piling up pattern, but also by promoting phase separation and improved interactions. When applying both of the reinforcing methods, the tensile strength of hordein/zein fibers was further enhanced to 21.99 ± 1.19 MPa, stronger than that of cancellous bones (5-10 MPa). All the reinforced fibers exhibited a reduced burst effect in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) while releasing the incorporated bioactive molecule in a controlled manner. These physically reinforced prolamin protein fibers possessed significantly improved mechanical properties and may have potential to be used as tissue engineering scaffold materials or natural delivery systems for biomedical applications.