Functionalization of Electrospun Nanofiber for Bone Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Bone-tissue engineering is an alternative treatment for bone defects with great potential in which scaffold is a critical factor to determine the effect of bone regeneration. Electrospun nanofibers are widely used as scaffolds in the biomedical field for their similarity with the structure of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Their unique characteristics are: larger surface areas, porosity and processability; these make them ideal candidates for bone-tissue engineering. This review briefly introduces bone-tissue engineering and summarizes the materials and methods for electrospining. More importantly, how to functionalize electrospun nanofibers to make them more conducive for bone regeneration is highlighted. Finally, the existing deficiencies of functionalized electrospun nanofibers for promoting osteogenesis are proposed. Such a summary can lay the foundation for the clinical practice of functionalized electrospun nanofibers.

Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Laden Nanocomposite Scaffolds Enhance Bone Regeneration in Rabbit Critical-Size Segmental Bone Defect Model

“…Electrospinning is a versatile and widely used technique in the field of tissue engineering, particularly for creating scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration [ 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 ]. The process involves the use of an electric field to draw a charged polymer solution or melt it into ultrafine fibers, which are then deposited onto a collector to form a non-woven mesh-like structure [ 53 ].…”

“…This results in the formation of nanoscale or microscale fibers that accumulate on the collector to create a three-dimensional scaffold [ 53 ]. The significance of electrospinning in creating scaffolds for bone tissue engineering lies in its ability to produce biomimetic structures with a high surface area-to-volume ratio, interconnected porosity, and tunable mechanical properties [ 55 , 56 ]. These electrospun scaffolds closely mimic the ECM of natural bone, providing an ideal microenvironment for cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation [ 55 , 56 ].…”

“…The significance of electrospinning in creating scaffolds for bone tissue engineering lies in its ability to produce biomimetic structures with a high surface area-to-volume ratio, interconnected porosity, and tunable mechanical properties [ 55 , 56 ]. These electrospun scaffolds closely mimic the ECM of natural bone, providing an ideal microenvironment for cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation [ 55 , 56 ]. Additionally, the nanofibrous architecture of electrospun scaffolds can enhance nutrient diffusion, waste removal, and the exchange of signaling molecules, promoting tissue ingrowth and vascularization.…”

“…Additionally, the nanofibrous architecture of electrospun scaffolds can enhance nutrient diffusion, waste removal, and the exchange of signaling molecules, promoting tissue ingrowth and vascularization. This versatility and scalability make electrospinning a valuable tool for fabricating customized scaffolds tailored to specific applications in bone tissue engineering, including bone defect repair, bone graft substitutes, and drug delivery systems [ 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 ].…”

Electrospun PVA Fibers for Drug Delivery: A Review

“…When developing a scaffold for tissue regeneration, several factors are taken into account. These factors encompass the biocompatibility, bioactivity, mimicry of extracellular matrix (ECM), bioabsorption, as well as sufficient mechanical and thermal strength [ 129 , 130 , 131 ]. An ideal scaffold will provide an adequate healing environment for damaged tissue by providing optimum moisture, a surface for cell adhesion, and interaction with the biomolecules of interest [ 132 ].…”