Core–Shell Fibers: Design, Roles, and Controllable Release Strategies in Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery

Abstract

The key attributes of core–shell fibers are their ability to preserve bioactivity of incorporated-sensitive biomolecules (such as drug, protein, and growth factor) and subsequently control biomolecule release to the targeted microenvironments to achieve therapeutic effects. Such qualities are highly favorable for tissue engineering and drug delivery, and these features are not able to be offered by monolithic fibers. In this review, we begin with an overview on design requirement of core–shell fibers, followed by the summary of recent preparation methods of core–shell fibers, with focus on electrospinning-based techniques and other newly discovered fabrication approaches. We then highlight the importance and roles of core–shell fibers in tissue engineering and drug delivery, accompanied by thorough discussion on controllable release strategies of the incorporated bioactive molecules from the fibers. Ultimately, we touch on core–shell fibers-related challenges and offer perspectives on their future direction towards clinical applications.

Electrospun Nanocomposites Containing Cellulose and Its Derivatives Modified with Specialized Biomolecules for an Enhanced Wound Healing

“…Electrospun nanofibers that are incorporated or functionalized with antimicrobial agents have shown enhanced antibacterial performance compared to traditional dressings. Depending on the application, the addition of specialized biomolecules to these nanofibrous networks may serve as platforms to increase oxygen exchange and absorption of exudates, and/or to stimulate proliferation, migration, and differentiation of cells, while promoting nutrient supply and controlling fluid loss [22,[62][63][64][65].…”

Spun Biotextiles in Tissue Engineering and Biomolecules Delivery Systems

“…Innovative manufacturing techniques are emerging to design fibrous scaffolds with proper textured fiber meshes to achieve specific performances in different biomedical environments. Indeed, different strategies have been optimized to incorporate molecular species into polymer-based solutions either by direct (e.g., co-axial spinning) or indirect (e.g., co-spinning) encapsulation [1,195]. Drug-release profiles are mainly dependent on the physical-chemical properties of the polymer.…”

Core–Shell Eudragit S100 Nanofibers Prepared via Triaxial Electrospinning to Provide a Colon-Targeted Extended Drug Release

“…Electrospinning, as a peer technology of electrospraying, can create polymeric nanofibers with variable structural features in a single-step process [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ], and should thus hold great promises for developing new types of polymer-based nanofibers loaded with different kinds of active ingredients [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ], including those for treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) [ 12 , 13 , 14 ]. In 1996, electrospinning (previously electrostatic spinning) and nanofibers were revived by Reneker’s group [ 15 ].…”