Biomedical applications of nanofiber scaffolds in tissue engineering

This article presents a review of recent advances in the employment of nanofibrous scaffolds in the developing field of tissue engineering. To begin with, we take a glance into various methods of fabrication of nanofibers relevant to tissue engineering. Focus will also be given to the issues that influence the selection of materials for the synthesis of the nanofibrous scaffolds. The article will also acquaint the reader with various aspects of nanofiber fabrication and characterization that hold significance in tissue regeneration including control of factors like nanofiber porosity, fiber alignment, cell infiltration and degradation of the fibers. Incorporation of bioactive factors into the nanofibrous scaffolds with specific relevance to tissue engineering shall be discussed. Finally, a systematic overview of applications and work done in case of nanofibers till date in tissue regeneration technology encompassing bone, cartilage, ligament/tendons, skin, corneal, cardiovascular neural and other tissues will be presented. The article will conclude with a brief discussion of challenges that need to be overcome and prospective directions for amendment in the fabrication and design of the nanofibrous scaffolds.