New dimensions of electrospun nanofiber material designs for biotechnological uses

Electrospun scaffolds are confined to 2D structures.Various strategies have been employed to translate 2D electrospun mats into functional 3D nanofiber scaffolds, including expansion techniques, nanofibrous microsphere technology, and hybrid constructs.The expansion method allows the direct expansion of 2D mat into 3D structures, and control over the direction of expansion plays a major role in cell adhesion and migration, which in turn affects tissue regeneration.In combination with the electrospraying technique, 3D nanofibrous microspheres enhance the efficacy of minimally invasive therapies using injectable microspheres for diabetic wound healing.Recently, hybrid scaffolds/bioinks have demonstrated an advantage over pristine structures due to their improved mechanical strength and cell-biomaterial interactions. Electrospinning technology has garnered wide attention over the past few decades in various biomedical applications including drug delivery, cell therapy, and tissue engineering. This technology can create nanofibers with tunable fiber diameters and functionalities. However, the 2D membrane nature of the nanofibers, as well as the rigidity and low porosity of electrospun fibers, lower their efficacy in tissue repair and regeneration. Recently, new avenues have been explored to resolve the challenges associated with 2D electrospun nanofiber membranes. This review discusses recent trends in creating different electrospun nanofiber microstructures from 2D nanofiber membranes by using various post-processing methods, as well as their biotechnological applications. Electrospinning technology has garnered wide attention over the past few decades in various biomedical applications including drug delivery, cell therapy, and tissue engineering. This technology can create nanofibers with tunable fiber diameters and functionalities. However, the 2D membrane nature of the nanofibers, as well as the rigidity and low porosity of electrospun fibers, lower their efficacy in tissue repair and regeneration. Recently, new avenues have been explored to resolve the challenges associated with 2D electrospun nanofiber membranes. This review discusses recent trends in creating different electrospun nanofiber microstructures from 2D nanofiber membranes by using various post-processing methods, as well as their biotechnological applications.