Electrospun Nanofibrous Scaffolds: Review of Current Progress in the Properties and Manufacturing Process, and Possible Applications for COVID-19

Abstract

Over the last twenty years, researchers have focused on the potential applications of electrospinning, especially its scalability and versatility. Specifically, electrospun nanofiber scaffolds are considered an emergent technology and a promising approach that can be applied to biosensing, drug delivery, soft and hard tissue repair and regeneration, and wound healing. Several parameters control the functional scaffolds, such as fiber geometrical characteristics and alignment, architecture, etc. As it is based on nanotechnology, the concept of this approach has shown a strong evolution in terms of the forms of the materials used (aerogels, microspheres, etc.), the incorporated microorganisms used to treat diseases (cells, proteins, nuclei acids, etc.), and the manufacturing process in relation to the control of adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of the mimetic nanofibers. However, several difficulties are still considered as huge challenges for scientists to overcome in relation to scaffolds design and properties (hydrophilicity, biodegradability, and biocompatibility) but also in relation to transferring biological nanofibers products into practical industrial use by way of a highly efficient bio-solution. In this article, the authors review current progress in the materials and processes used by the electrospinning technique to develop novel fibrous scaffolds with suitable design and that more closely mimic structure. A specific interest will be given to the use of this approach as an emergent technology for the treatment of bacteria and viruses such as COVID-19.

Electrospun Nanofibre Filtration Media to Protect against Biological or Nonbiological Airborne Particles

“…In this respect, electrospun nanofibres (NFs) provide unique capabilities when used as an active protective layer in facemasks. When compared with commonly used filters containing melt-blown (MB) fibres, electrospun NFs provide enhanced protection against airborne particles, bacteria, and viruses such as COVID-19 [1][2][3][4][5][6]. The increased performance is attributed to the different filtration mechanisms, fibre dimensions, and smaller pore size [2,[7][8][9].…”

The Potential Contribution of Biopolymeric Particles in Lung Tissue Regeneration of COVID-19 Patients

“…have all changed dramatically in terms of adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. However, scientists must overcome challenges in scaffold design (hydrophilicity, biodegradability, and biocompatibility), as well as commercialization of biological nanofiber products [109]. Descendant pluripotent stem cells and decellularized scaffolds have also been used to construct patient-specific transplantable lungs [110].…”

Electrospun Structural Hybrids of Acyclovir-Polyacrylonitrile at Acyclovir for Modifying Drug Release

“…These dosage forms can not only rapidly act to eliminate the symptoms, but can also maintain a relatively constant drug concentration in the blood, which can improve its effectiveness in patients. Thus, it is not unusual that many new methods have been introduced in the preparation of double-stage, release-medicated materials, such as coaxial electrospinning and electrospraying [45][46][47], side-by-side electrospinning [48], and electrospraying [49].…”