Preparation and Characterization of Nanofibrous Membranes Electro-Spun from Blended Poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) and Recombinant Spider Silk Protein as Potential Skin Regeneration Scaffold

Recombinant fibrous protein biomaterials meet skin tissue engineering

Natural biomaterials, particularly fibrous proteins, are extensively utilized in skin tissue engineering. However, their application is impeded by batch-to-batch variance, limited chemical or physical versatility, and environmental concerns. Recent advancements in gene editing and fermentation technology have catalyzed the emergence of recombinant fibrous protein biomaterials, which are gaining traction in skin tissue engineering. The modular and highly customizable nature of recombinant synthesis enables precise control over biomaterial design, facilitating the incorporation of multiple functional motifs. Additionally, recombinant synthesis allows for a transition from animal-derived sources to microbial sources, thereby reducing endotoxin content and rendering recombinant fibrous protein biomaterials more amenable to scalable production and clinical use. In this review, we provide an overview of prevalent recombinant fibrous protein biomaterials (collagens, elastin, silk proteins and their chimeric derivatives) used in skin tissue engineering (STE) and compare them with their animal-derived counterparts. Furthermore, we discuss their applications in STE, along with the associated challenges and future prospects.

The mechanism of low molecular weight fucoidan-incorporated nanofiber scaffolds inhibiting oral leukoplakia via SR-A/Wnt signal axis

Oral leukoplakia (OLK) is the most common oral precancerous lesion, and 3%-17% of OLK patients progress to oral squamous cell carcinoma. OLK is susceptible to recurrence and has no effective treatment. However, conventional drugs have significant side effects and limitations. Therefore, it is important to identify drugs that target OLK. In this study, scavenger receptor A (SR-A) was found to be abnormally highly expressed in the oral mucosal epithelial cells of OLK patients, whereas molecular biology studies revealed that low molecular weight fucoidan (LMWF) promoted apoptosis of dysplastic oral keratinocytes (DOK) and inhibited the growth and migration of DOK, and the inhibitory effect of LMWF on OLK was achieved by regulating the SR-A/Wnt signaling axis and related genes. Based on the above results and the special situation of the oral environment, we constructed LMWF/poly(caprolactone-co-lactide) nanofiber membranes with different structures for the in-situ treatment of OLK using electrospinning technology. The results showed that the nanofiber membranes with a shell-core structure had the best physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and therapeutic effect, which optimized the LMWF drug delivery and ensured the effective concentration of the drug at the target point, thus achieving precise treatment of local lesions in the oral cavity. This has potential application value in inhibiting the development of OLK.

Electrospun Nanofiber Scaffold for Skin Tissue Engineering: A Review

Skin tissue engineering (STE) is widely regarded as an effective approach for skin regeneration. Several synthetic biomaterials utilized for STE have demonstrated favorable fibrillar characteristics, facilitating the regeneration of skin tissue at the site of injury, yet they have exhibited a lack of in situ degradation. Various types of skin regenerative materials, such as hydrogels, nanofiber scaffolds, and 3D-printing composite scaffolds, have recently emerged for use in STE. Electrospun nanofiber scaffolds possess distinct advantages, such as their wide availability, similarity to natural structures, and notable tissue regenerative capabilities, which have garnered the attention of researchers. Hence, electrospun nanofiber scaffolds may serve as innovative biological materials possessing the necessary characteristics and potential for use in tissue engineering. Recent research has demonstrated the potential of electrospun nanofiber scaffolds to facilitate regeneration of skin tissues. Nevertheless, there is a need to enhance the rapid degradation and limited mechanical properties of electrospun nanofiber scaffolds in order to strengthen their effectiveness in soft tissue engineering applications in clinical settings. This Review centers on advanced research into electrospun nanofiber scaffolds, encompassing preparation methods, materials, fundamental research, and preclinical applications in the field of science, technology, and engineering. The existing challenges and prospects of electrospun nanofiber scaffolds in STE are also addressed.

Biodegradable Polymers in Biomedical Applications: A Review-Developments, Perspectives and Future Challenges

Biodegradable polymers are materials that, thanks to their remarkable properties, are widely understood to be suitable for use in scientific fields such as tissue engineering and materials engineering. Due to the alarming increase in the number of diagnosed diseases and conditions, polymers are of great interest in biomedical applications especially. The use of biodegradable polymers in biomedicine is constantly expanding. The application of new techniques or the improvement of existing ones makes it possible to produce materials with desired properties, such as mechanical strength, controlled degradation time and rate and antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. In addition, these materials can take virtually unlimited shapes as a result of appropriate design. This is additionally desirable when it is necessary to develop new structures that support or restore the proper functioning of systems in the body.