Electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds for soft tissue regeneration

Abstract

This chapter aims to provide a general overview on the applications of electrospun biodegradable nanofibrous scaffolds for soft tissue regeneration. The soft tissue and extracellular matrix is first introduced. The tissue or cellar host responses to injury, including inflammation, wound healing and foreign-body reaction, is outlined. The fabrication of nanofibrous scaffold made of biodegradable polymers via electrospinning is then presented. The properties of the fabricated scaffolds, including morphology, mechanical strength and biodegradability, are discussed in detail. The development of electrospun scaffolds for soft tissue regeneration in various clinical applications is also reviewed. Finally, the future trend for electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds is addressed.