Electrospun anisotropic architectures and porous structures for tissue engineering

Abstract

In order to design scaffolds for tissue engineering with proper architectures, organization and properties, a variety of materials and technologies are being developed. In addition to being biocompatible both in their bulk and degraded forms, scaffolds should not only possess appropriate mechanical properties to provide a suitable stress environment, but also be porous and permeable to permit the ingress of cells and nutrients. In this review, we aim to summarize recent advances in electrospun anisotropic architectures such as aligned fibrous arrays, fibrous yarns and bundles, fibrous tubular structures, and porous structures, as well as their formation mechanisms and mechanical properties. In particular, the potential applications of these structure-controlled fibrous constructs in neural regeneration, vascular grafts, cardiac tissue, skeletal muscle regeneration, tendon repair, and cornea repair are presented. Moreover, the current challenges and future opportunities for the use of these scaffolds in research and clinical practice are proposed.