Nanofibrous Scaffolds Application in Biomedicine

A special issue of Pharmaceutics (ISSN 1999-4923). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanomedicine and Nanotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 March 2024) | Viewed by 7632

Special Issue Editors

Department of Engineering for Innovation, Campus Ecotekne, University of Salento, Via per Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Interests: nanofibrous; electrospinning; polymer and ceramic scaffold; tissue engineering
Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Via per Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Interests: polymeric devices for biomedical applications, including scaffolds for regenerative medicine, micro- and nano-particles for controlled drug delivery, wound dressings, and perm-selective barriers for cell encapsulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Via per Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Interests: biomaterials; scaffold; tissue engineering; material characterization; viscoelasticity; hydrogels; green chemistry; natural polymers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanofibers are explored for a variety of biomedical applications such as carriers for drug/therapeutic agent delivery, wound dressing materials and as porous three-dimensional scaffolds for engineering various tissues such as skin, blood vessels, nerve, tendon, bone and cartilage. The continuous structure of nanofibers makes them more suitable for use as the basic component of a scaffold providing a connection between the nano and the macroscopic objects. The nanofibers present unique properties such as a high surface area to volume ratio, flexibility in surface functionalities, superior mechanical, high porosity, variable pore-size distribution and morphological similarity to fibrillar structure of native ECM. Among the techniques that allow the production of nanofibrous structures, electrospinning is certainly a promising one due to its simplicity, versatility and the development of new techniques and materials useful for tissue engineering and biomedicine applications.

The articles in this Special Issue will provide a platform for future research and innovation in the field of smart and functional nanofibrous electrospun scaffolds. We believe that this Special Issue will be of interest to researchers and practitioners in the field of biomaterials and bioengineering, as well as to those who are interested in the development of new and innovative technologies for nanofibrous scaffolds for biomedicine applications.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Smart nanofibrous scaffolds for tissue engineering.
  • Multifunctional nanofibers scaffold for regenerative medicine.
  • Chemical and physical functionalization of nanofibrous scaffold.
  • Unconventional nanofibrous materials for biomedicine.
  • New applications of nanofibers for biomedical devices.
  • Nanofibers for smart therapeutics treatments.
  • Nanofibrous scaffolds for drug delivery.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Paola Nitti
Dr. Marta Madaghiele
Dr. Christian Demitri
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • nanofibrous scaffolds
  • biomedicine
  • nanofibers functionalization
  • smart nanofibrous scaffold
  • new material for nanofibrous scaffold
  • nanofibers for drug delivery system

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 8308 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of Quercetin-Functionalized Morpholine and Pyridine Motifs-Laden Silk Fibroin Nanofibers for Effective Wound Healing in Preclinical Study
by Govindaraj Sabarees, Vadivel Velmurugan, Siddan Gouthaman, Viswas Raja Solomon and Subramani Kandhasamy
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(4), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16040462 - 26 Mar 2024
Viewed by 87
Abstract
Choosing suitable wound dressings is crucial for effective wound healing. Spun scaffolds with bioactive molecule functionalization are gaining attention as a promising approach to expedite tissue repair and regeneration. Here, we present the synthesis of novel multifunctional quercetin with morpholine and pyridine functional [...] Read more.
Choosing suitable wound dressings is crucial for effective wound healing. Spun scaffolds with bioactive molecule functionalization are gaining attention as a promising approach to expedite tissue repair and regeneration. Here, we present the synthesis of novel multifunctional quercetin with morpholine and pyridine functional motifs (QFM) embedded in silk fibroin (SF)-spun fibers (SF-QFM) for preclinical skin repair therapies. The verification of the novel QFM structural arrangement was characterized using ATR-FTIR, NMR, and ESI-MS spectroscopy analysis. Extensive characterization of the spun SF-QFM fibrous mats revealed their excellent antibacterial and antioxidant properties, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and remarkable mechanical and controlled drug release capabilities. SF-QFM mats were studied for drug release in pH 7.4 PBS over 72 h. The QFM-controlled release is mainly driven by diffusion and follows Fickian’s law. Significant QFM release (40%) occurred within the first 6 h, with a total release of 79% at the end of 72 h, which is considered beneficial in effectively reducing bacterial load and helping expedite the healing process. Interestingly, the SF-QFM-spun mat demonstrated significantly improved NIH 3T3 cell proliferation and migration compared to the pure SF mat, as evidenced by the complete migration of NIH 3T3 cells within 24 h in the scratch assay. Furthermore, the in vivo outcome of SF-QFM was demonstrated by the regeneration of fresh fibroblasts and the realignment of collagen fibers deposition at 9 days post-operation in a preclinical rat full-thickness skin defect model. Our findings collectively indicate that the SF-QFM electrospun nanofiber scaffolds hold significant capability as a cost-effective and efficient bioactive spun architecture for use in wound healing applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanofibrous Scaffolds Application in Biomedicine)
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16 pages, 3612 KiB  
Article
Innovative Multilayer Electrospun Patches for the Slow Release of Natural Oily Extracts as Dressings to Boost Wound Healing
by Noemi Fiaschini, Fiorella Carnevali, Stephen Andrew Van der Esch, Roberta Vitali, Mariateresa Mancuso, Maria Sulli, Gianfranco Diretto, Anna Negroni and Antonio Rinaldi
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(2), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16020159 - 24 Jan 2024
Viewed by 798
Abstract
Electrospinning is an advanced manufacturing strategy used to create innovative medical devices from continuous nanoscale fibers that is endowed with tunable biological, chemical, and physical properties. Innovative medical patches manufactured entirely by electrospinning are discussed in this paper, using a specific plant-derived formulation [...] Read more.
Electrospinning is an advanced manufacturing strategy used to create innovative medical devices from continuous nanoscale fibers that is endowed with tunable biological, chemical, and physical properties. Innovative medical patches manufactured entirely by electrospinning are discussed in this paper, using a specific plant-derived formulation “1 Primary Wound Dressing©” (1-PWD) as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). 1-PWD is composed of neem oil (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) and the oily extracts of Hypericum perforatum (L.) flowers, according to the formulation patented by the ENEA of proven therapeutic efficacy as wound dressings. The goal of this work is to encapsulate this API and demonstrate that its slow release from an engineered electrospun patch can increase the therapeutic efficacy for wound healing. The prototyped patch is a three-layer core–shell membrane, with a core made of fibers from a 1-PWD-PEO blend, enveloped within two external layers made of medical-grade polycaprolactone (PCL), ensuring mechanical strength and integrity during manipulation. The system was characterized via electron microscopy (SEM) and chemical and contact angle tests. The encapsulation, release, and efficacy of the API were confirmed by FTIR and LC-HRMS and were validated via in vitro toxicology and scratch assays. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanofibrous Scaffolds Application in Biomedicine)
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16 pages, 6589 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Microscopic Mechanical Characterization of L-Methionine-Based Polyphosphazene Fibrous Mats for Vascular Tissue Engineering
by Meng Wang and Kibret Mequanint
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(11), 2546; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15112546 - 28 Oct 2023
Viewed by 820
Abstract
This study investigates the mechanical properties, degradation behavior, and biocompatibility of poly[(α-amino acid ester) phosphazene] electrospun fibers based on the ethyl ester of L-methionine (PαAPz-M), a material with potential applications in tissue engineering. We utilized atomic force microscopy (AFM) to evaluate the fiber [...] Read more.
This study investigates the mechanical properties, degradation behavior, and biocompatibility of poly[(α-amino acid ester) phosphazene] electrospun fibers based on the ethyl ester of L-methionine (PαAPz-M), a material with potential applications in tissue engineering. We utilized atomic force microscopy (AFM) to evaluate the fiber mechanical characteristics and calculate its Young’s modulus, revealing it to closely mimic the stiffness of a natural extracellular matrix (ECM). We also studied the degradation behavior of PαAPz-M scaffolds over 21 days, showing that they maintain the highly porous structure required for tissue engineering. Further evaluation of mesenchymal multipotent 10T1/2 cell and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) behavior on the scaffolds demonstrated significant cell viability, proliferation, and successful MSC differentiation into smooth muscle cells. Expression of collagen and elastin by MSCs on the fiber mats highlighted potential ECM formation during scaffold degradation, confirming PαAPz-M as a promising material for vascular tissue engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanofibrous Scaffolds Application in Biomedicine)
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23 pages, 7409 KiB  
Article
Biomimetic Electrospun Self-Assembling Peptide Scaffolds for Neural Stem Cell Transplantation in Neural Tissue Engineering
by Mahdi Forouharshad, Andrea Raspa, Amanda Marchini, Maria Gessica Ciulla, Alice Magnoni and Fabrizio Gelain
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(9), 2261; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15092261 - 31 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 996
Abstract
Spinal cord regeneration using stem cell transplantation is a promising strategy for regenerative therapy. Stem cells transplanted onto scaffolds that can mimic natural extracellular matrix (ECM) have the potential to significantly improve outcomes. In this study, we strived to develop a cell carrier [...] Read more.
Spinal cord regeneration using stem cell transplantation is a promising strategy for regenerative therapy. Stem cells transplanted onto scaffolds that can mimic natural extracellular matrix (ECM) have the potential to significantly improve outcomes. In this study, we strived to develop a cell carrier by culturing neural stem cells (NSCs) onto electrospun 2D and 3D constructs made up of specific crosslinked functionalized self-assembling peptides (SAPs) featuring enhanced biomimetic and biomechanical properties. Morphology, architecture, and secondary structures of electrospun scaffolds in the solid-state and electrospinning solution were studied step by step. Morphological studies showed the benefit of mixed peptides and surfactants as additives to form thinner, uniform, and defect-free fibers. It has been observed that β-sheet conformation as evidence of self-assembling has been predominant throughout the process except for the electrospinning solution. In vitro NSCs seeded on electrospun SAP scaffolds in 2D and 3D conditions displayed desirable proliferation, viability, and differentiation in comparison to the gold standard. In vivo biocompatibility assay confirmed the permissibility of implanted fibrous channels by foreign body reaction. The results of this study demonstrated that fibrous 2D/3D electrospun SAP scaffolds, when shaped as micro-channels, can be suitable to support NSC transplantation for regeneration following spinal cord injury. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanofibrous Scaffolds Application in Biomedicine)
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19 pages, 9411 KiB  
Article
Nanofibrous Polycaprolactone Membrane with Bioactive Glass and Atorvastatin for Wound Healing: Preparation and Characterization
by Mohamed S. El-Okaily, Amany A. Mostafa, Judyta Dulnik, Piotr Denis, Paweł Sajkiewicz, Azza A. Mahmoud, Reham Dawood and Amr Maged
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(7), 1990; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15071990 - 20 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1225
Abstract
Skin wound healing is one of the most challenging processes for skin reconstruction, especially after severe injuries. In our study, nanofiber membranes were prepared for wound healing using an electrospinning process, where the prepared nanofibers were made of different weight ratios of polycaprolactone [...] Read more.
Skin wound healing is one of the most challenging processes for skin reconstruction, especially after severe injuries. In our study, nanofiber membranes were prepared for wound healing using an electrospinning process, where the prepared nanofibers were made of different weight ratios of polycaprolactone and bioactive glass that can induce the growth of new tissue. The membranes showed smooth and uniform nanofibers with an average diameter of 118 nm. FTIR and XRD results indicated no chemical interactions of polycaprolactone and bioactive glass and an increase in polycaprolactone crystallinity by the incorporation of bioactive glass nanoparticles. Nanofibers containing 5% w/w of bioactive glass were selected to be loaded with atorvastatin, considering their best mechanical properties compared to the other prepared nanofibers (3, 10, and 20% w/w bioactive glass). Atorvastatin can speed up the tissue healing process, and it was loaded into the selected nanofibers using a dip-coating technique with ethyl cellulose as a coating polymer. The study of the in vitro drug release found that atorvastatin-loaded nanofibers with a 10% coating polymer revealed gradual drug release compared to the non-coated nanofibers and nanofibers coated with 5% ethyl cellulose. Integration of atorvastatin and bioactive glass with polycaprolactone nanofibers showed superior wound closure results in the human skin fibroblast cell line. The results from this study highlight the ability of polycaprolactone-bioactive glass-based fibers loaded with atorvastatin to stimulate skin wound healing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanofibrous Scaffolds Application in Biomedicine)
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Review

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33 pages, 3676 KiB  
Review
Micro- and Nanostructured Fibrous Composites via Electro-Fluid Dynamics: Design and Applications for Brain
by Nergis Zeynep Renkler, Stefania Scialla, Teresa Russo, Ugo D’Amora, Iriczalli Cruz-Maya, Roberto De Santis and Vincenzo Guarino
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(1), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16010134 - 19 Jan 2024
Viewed by 752
Abstract
The brain consists of an interconnected network of neurons tightly packed in the extracellular matrix (ECM) to form complex and heterogeneous composite tissue. According to recent biomimicry approaches that consider biological features as active components of biomaterials, designing a highly reproducible microenvironment for [...] Read more.
The brain consists of an interconnected network of neurons tightly packed in the extracellular matrix (ECM) to form complex and heterogeneous composite tissue. According to recent biomimicry approaches that consider biological features as active components of biomaterials, designing a highly reproducible microenvironment for brain cells can represent a key tool for tissue repair and regeneration. Indeed, this is crucial to support cell growth, mitigate inflammation phenomena and provide adequate structural properties needed to support the damaged tissue, corroborating the activity of the vascular network and ultimately the functionality of neurons. In this context, electro-fluid dynamic techniques (EFDTs), i.e., electrospinning, electrospraying and related techniques, offer the opportunity to engineer a wide variety of composite substrates by integrating fibers, particles, and hydrogels at different scales—from several hundred microns down to tens of nanometers—for the generation of countless patterns of physical and biochemical cues suitable for influencing the in vitro response of coexistent brain cell populations mediated by the surrounding microenvironment. In this review, an overview of the different technological approaches—based on EFDTs—for engineering fibrous and/or particle-loaded composite substrates will be proposed. The second section of this review will primarily focus on describing current and future approaches to the use of composites for brain applications, ranging from therapeutic to diagnostic/theranostic use and from repair to regeneration, with the ultimate goal of providing insightful information to guide future research efforts toward the development of more efficient and reliable solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanofibrous Scaffolds Application in Biomedicine)
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44 pages, 9780 KiB  
Review
Overview of Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery Applications of Reactive Electrospinning and Crosslinking Techniques of Polymeric Nanofibers with Highlights on Their Biocompatibility Testing and Regulatory Aspects
by Husam M. Younes, Hana Kadavil, Hesham M. Ismail, Sandi Ali Adib, Somayeh Zamani, Raid G. Alany and Ali A. Al-Kinani
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16010032 - 26 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1082
Abstract
Traditional electrospinning is a promising technique for fabricating nanofibers for tissue engineering and drug delivery applications. The method is highly efficient in producing nanofibers with morphology and porosity similar to the extracellular matrix. Nonetheless, and in many instances, the process has faced several [...] Read more.
Traditional electrospinning is a promising technique for fabricating nanofibers for tissue engineering and drug delivery applications. The method is highly efficient in producing nanofibers with morphology and porosity similar to the extracellular matrix. Nonetheless, and in many instances, the process has faced several limitations, including weak mechanical strength, large diameter distributions, and scaling-up difficulties of its fabricated electrospun nanofibers. The constraints of the polymer solution’s intrinsic properties are primarily responsible for these limitations. Reactive electrospinning constitutes a novel and modified electrospinning techniques developed to overcome those challenges and improve the properties of the fabricated fibers intended for various biomedical applications. This review mainly addresses reactive electrospinning techniques, a relatively new approach for making in situ or post-crosslinked nanofibers. It provides an overview of and discusses the recent literature about chemical and photoreactive electrospinning, their various techniques, their biomedical applications, and FDA regulatory aspects related to their approval and marketing. Another aspect highlighted in this review is the use of crosslinking and reactive electrospinning techniques to enhance the fabricated nanofibers’ physicochemical and mechanical properties and make them more biocompatible and tailored for advanced intelligent drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanofibrous Scaffolds Application in Biomedicine)
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24 pages, 2021 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Functionalized Electrospun Membranes for Periodontal Regeneration
by Luana Epicoco, Rebecca Pellegrino, Marta Madaghiele, Marco Friuli, Laura Giannotti, Benedetta Di Chiara Stanca, Andrea Palermo, Luisa Siculella, Vuk Savkovic, Christian Demitri and Paola Nitti
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(12), 2725; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15122725 - 04 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1096
Abstract
Periodontitis is a global, multifaceted, chronic inflammatory disease caused by bacterial microorganisms and an exaggerated host immune response that not only leads to the destruction of the periodontal apparatus but may also aggravate or promote the development of other systemic diseases. The periodontium [...] Read more.
Periodontitis is a global, multifaceted, chronic inflammatory disease caused by bacterial microorganisms and an exaggerated host immune response that not only leads to the destruction of the periodontal apparatus but may also aggravate or promote the development of other systemic diseases. The periodontium is composed of four different tissues (alveolar bone, cementum, gingiva, and periodontal ligament) and various non-surgical and surgical therapies have been used to restore its normal function. However, due to the etiology of the disease and the heterogeneous nature of the periodontium components, complete regeneration is still a challenge. In this context, guided tissue/bone regeneration strategies in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have gained more and more interest, having as a goal the complete restoration of the periodontium and its functions. In particular, the use of electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds has emerged as an effective strategy to achieve this goal due to their ability to mimic the extracellular matrix and simultaneously exert antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and regenerative activities. This review provides an overview of periodontal regeneration using electrospun membranes, highlighting the use of these nanofibrous scaffolds as delivery systems for bioactive molecules and drugs and their functionalization to promote periodontal regeneration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanofibrous Scaffolds Application in Biomedicine)
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