Biofabrication of aligned structures that guide cell orientation and applications in tissue engineering

The organized alignment of cells in various tissues plays a significant role in the maintenance of specific functions. To induce such an alignment, ideal scaffolds should simulate the characteristics and morphologies of natural tissues. Aligned structures that guide cell orientation are used to facilitate tissue regeneration and repair. We here review how various aligned structures are fabricated, including aligned electrospun nanofibers, aligned porous or channeled structures, micropatterns and combinations thereof, and their application in nerve, skeletal muscle, tendon, and tubular dentin regeneration. The future use of aligned structures in tissue engineering is also discussed.