Extracellular Matrix‐Bioinspired Anisotropic Topographical Cues of Electrospun Nanofibers: A Strategy of Wound Healing through Macrophage Polarization

Abstract

The skin serves as the body's outermost barrier and is the largest organ, providing protection not only to the body but also to various internal organs. Owing to continuous exposure to various external factors, it is susceptible to damage that can range from simple to severe, including serious types of wounds such as burns or chronic wounds. Macrophages play a crucial role in the entire wound healing process and contribute significantly to skin regeneration. Initially, M1 macrophages infiltrate to phagocytose bacteria, debris, and dead cells in fresh wounds. As tissue repair is activated, M2 macrophages are promoted, reducing inflammation and facilitating restoration of the dermis and epidermis to regenerate the tissue. Based on this understanding, developing extracellular matrix (ECM) mimicking structures is suitable for promoting cell attachment, proliferation, migration, and macrophage polarization. Among the numerous strategies, electrospinning is a versatile technique for obtaining ECM‐mimicking structures with anisotropic and isotropic topologies of micro/nanofibers. The use of various biomaterials in the fabrication of nanofibers with anisotropic and isotropic topologies can influence macrophage polarization. Moreover, these fibers possess a high surface‐area‐to‐volume ratio, promoting the effective exchange of vital nutrients and oxygen, which are crucial for cell viability and tissue regeneration. Micro/nanofibers with diverse physical and chemical properties can be tailored to polarize macrophages toward skin regeneration and wound healing, depending on specific requirements. This review describes the significance of micro/nano structures for activating macrophages and promoting wound healing.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Biomimetic Materials for Skin Tissue Regeneration and Electronic Skin

“…Resemblance to ECM, increased surface-to-volume ratio, and porousness make electrospun nanofibers an ideal material for E-skin dressings [196][197][198][199]. Self-responsive electrospun nanofibrous wound dressings have been developed using various smart materials or polymers to encapsulate medications and release them based on responses to wound conditions like infection, oxygen species, pH changes, or temperature [196,200].…”