Electrospun 3D Scaffolds for Tissue Regeneration

Abstract

Tissue engineering aims to fabricate and functionalise constructs that mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM) in the closest way possible to induce cell growth and differentiation in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Development of scaffolds that can function as tissue substitutes or augment healing of tissues is an essential aspect of tissue regeneration. Although there are many techniques for achieving this biomimicry in 2D structures and 2D cell cultures, translation of successful tissue regeneration in true 3D microenvironments is still in its infancy. Electrospinning, a well known electrohydrodynamic process, is best suited for producing and functionalising, nanofibrous structures to mimic the ECM. A systematic control of the processing parameters coupled with novel process innovations, has recently resulted in novel 3D electrospun structures. This chapter gives a brief account of the various 3D electrospun structures that are being tried as tissue engineering scaffolds. Combining electrospinning with other 3D structure forming technologies, which have shown promising results, has also been discussed. Electrospinning has the potential to bridge the gap between what is known and what is yet to be known in fabricating 3D scaffolds for tissue regeneration.