Nanofiber Scaffolds by Electrospinning for Rotator Cuff Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Rotator cuff tears continue to be at risk of retear or failure to heal after surgical repair, despite the use of various surgical techniques, which stimulate development of novel scaffolding strategies. They should be able to address the known causes of failure after the conventional rotator cuff repair: (1) failure to reproduce the normal tendon healing process, (2) resultant failure to reproduce four zones of the enthesis, and (3) failure to attain sufficient mechanical strength after repair. Nanofiber scaffolds are suited for this application because they can be engineered to mimic the ultrastructure and properties of the native rotator cuff tendon. Among various methods for tissue-engineered nanofibers, electrospinning has recently been highlighted in the rotator cuff field. Electrospinning can create fibrous and porous structures that resemble natural tendon's extracellular matrix. Other advantages include the ability to create relatively large surface-to-volume ratios, the ability to control fiber size from the micro to the nano scale, and the flexibility of material choices. In this review, we will discuss the anatomical and mechanical features of the rotator cuff tendon, their potential impacts on improper healing after repair, and the current knowledge of the use of electrospinning for rotator cuff tissue engineering.

Bipolar Metal Flexible Electrospun Fibrous Membrane Based on Metal–Organic Framework for Gradient Healing of Tendon‐to‐Bone Interface Regeneration

“…have summarized the current electrospun application in the tendon‐to‐bone interface, and the mechanical strength of the membrane in this study was better than most electrospuns. [ 45 ] Then, the hydrophobicity of HKUST‐1(91.4 ± 1.6°) and ZIF‐11(102.3 ± 2.5°) layer was notably better than the pure PLA (108.1 ± 1.4°), which was vital in the cell adhesion (Figure 2J). [ 46 ] Furthermore, the metal ion, including zinc and copper ions, showed a sustainable release from the scaffolds over a period of time (Figure S2, Supporting Information).…”

Semi–Bone Tunnel Technique Using Double-Row Suture Bridge Combined With Platelet-Rich Plasma Hydrogel for Rotator Cuff Repair in a Rabbit Model

“…7,23,46 Therefore, in recent years, for clinical application, many tissue engineering scaffolds have been invented for rotator cuff repair. 25,28 Among these various biomaterials for tendonbone healing, PRP, which is characterized by a simple preparation process, low immune response, and rich source of growth factors, is the most studied autologous biomaterial, and there are many commercial products and manufacturing equipment applied in clinical treatments. 8,30 From our clinical experience and the results of previous studies, it appears PRP can promote tendon-bone healing to a certain extent, especially in the cases of moderate to large rotator cuff tears, although the efficacy of PRP for rotator cuff repair is still controversial.…”

Regulation and Reconstruction of Cell Phenotype Gradients Along the Tendon‐Bone Interface

“…[264,265] Other advantages include the ability to create relatively large surface-to-volume ratios, the ability to control fiber size from the micrometer to the nanometer scale, as well as the flexibility in the choice of materials. [266] 3D porous scaffolds are also promising candidates for the reconstruction of cell phenotype gradients along the soft-to-hard tissue interface. Additive manufacturing enables the manufacture of personalized scaffolds by using 3D printing technologies; the latter has the potential to reproduce natural tissue morphology and biomechanics.…”