Hydrophilic Surface Functionalization of Electrospun Nanofibrous Scaffolds in Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Electrospun polymer nanofibers have received much attention in tissue engineering due to their valuable properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradation ability, appropriate mechanical properties, and, most importantly, fibrous structure, which resembles the morphology of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. However, they are usually hydrophobic and suffer from a lack of bioactive molecules, which provide good cell adhesion to the scaffold surface. Post-electrospinning surface functionalization allows overcoming these limitations through polar groups covalent incorporation to the fibers surface, with subsequent functionalization with biologically active molecules or direct deposition of the biomolecule solution. Hydrophilic surface functionalization methods are classified into chemical approaches, including wet chemical functionalization and covalent grafting, a physiochemical approach with the use of a plasma treatment, and a physical approach that might be divided into physical adsorption and layer-by-layer assembly. This review discusses the state-of-the-art of hydrophilic surface functionalization strategies of electrospun nanofibers for tissue engineering applications. We highlighted the major advantages and drawbacks of each method, at the same time, pointing out future perspectives and solutions in the hydrophilic functionalization strategies.

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

“…Tissue engineering integrates science of biology and medicine to design artificial organs for regeneration of tissue function [ 94 , 95 ]. In order to mimic the extracellular matrix and provide tissue with oxygen and nutrient circulation, functional tissues were fabricated from several materials and specific structures, particularly nanofiber scaffolds [ 96 , 97 ]. In fact, nanofiber scaffolds are widely used in tissue repair, whether soft or hard regeneration [ 98 ].…”

Preparation and Physicochemical Characterization of a Diclofenac Sodium-Dual Layer Polyvinyl Alcohol Patch

“…The present work is an excellent example of the second approaches. Nanofibers produced by electrospinning exhibit several interesting and unique properties such as a controlled release carrier [20], high surface-to-volume ratio, tunable diameter and pore size, high porosity, surface functionality and morphology similar to the extracellular matrix; the use of electrospun nanofibers have been studied in diverse fields including drug delivery [21], wound dressing [22], filtration [23], cell culture, tissue engineering and many others [24,25]. Polymeric matrices such as PVA provide an excellent source for electrospinning based on their biocompatibility, extraordinary hydrophilicity, and mechanical properties [26,27].…”

Electrospun PCL-Based Vascular Grafts: In Vitro Tests

“…It is non-immunogenic and apparently retains informational signals such as the arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) sequence, which promotes cell adhesion, differentiation, and proliferation. Therefore, gelatin can be combined with PCL to obtain a composite scaffold having improved cell adhesion and proliferation properties, not significantly affecting functional response in terms of stability and flexibility [24][25][26]. Moreover, nanofibrous scaffolds show comparable mechanical properties respect to natural human blood vessels [27][28][29][30].…”