Nanofiber Scaffolds as Drug Delivery Systems Promoting Wound Healing

Abstract

Nanofiber scaffolds have emerged as a revolutionary drug delivery platform for promoting wound healing, due to their unique properties, including high surface area, interconnected porosity, excellent breathability, and moisture absorption, as well as their spatial structure which mimics the extracellular matrix. However, the use of nanofibers to achieve controlled drug loading and release still presents many challenges, with ongoing research still exploring how to load drugs onto nanofiber scaffolds without loss of activity and how to control their release in a specific spatiotemporal manner. This comprehensive study systematically reviews the applications and recent advances related to drug-laden nanofiber scaffolds for skin-wound management. First, we introduce commonly used methods for nanofiber preparation, including electrostatic spinning, sol–gel, molecular self-assembly, thermally induced phase separation, and 3D-printing techniques. Next, we summarize the polymers used in the preparation of nanofibers and drug delivery methods utilizing nanofiber scaffolds. We then review the application of drug-loaded nanofiber scaffolds for wound healing, considering the different stages of wound healing in which the drug acts. Finally, we briefly describe stimulus-responsive drug delivery schemes for nanofiber scaffolds, as well as other exciting drug delivery systems.

Revolutionizing Wound Healing: Exploring Scarless Solutions through Drug Delivery Innovations

“…By incorporation of biologically active substances, such as GFs, cytokines, anti-inflammatory agents, and antibacterial drugs into nanofiber scaffolds, they fulfill various wound healing functions. These drug-loaded nanofibers facilitate hemostasis, reduce chronic inflammation, enhance cellular activities, inhibit scar formation, promote neovascularization, combat bacterial infections, and promote wound healing. , …”

“…Nanofibers support fibroblast proliferation, migration, and secretion of essential ECM components, promoting tissue repair and regeneration . GFs, vitamins (e.g., vitamin A), and herbal extracts enhance cellular activities in wound healing. , Farzanfar et al developed a nanofiber scaffold with vitamin B12, showing increased cell proliferation and improved wound closure in cell experiments.…”

“…114 GFs, vitamins (e.g., vitamin A), and herbal extracts enhance cellular activities in wound healing. 114,125 Farzanfar et al 126 developed a nanofiber scaffold with vitamin B12, showing increased cell proliferation and improved wound closure in cell experiments.…”

“…Chronic inflammation impedes wound healing, and herbal extracts with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties can address this issue. , Chen et al developed a three-layer nanofiber membrane (nBG-TFM) incorporating bioactive glass for diabetic wounds. Results indicated reduced inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) and upregulated factors associated with wound healing (TGF-β and VEGF), creating a more favorable microenvironment for healing …”

Advanced Biomedical Applications of Multifunctional Natural and Synthetic Biomaterials

“…Bioactive ceramics hydroxyapatites coatings on metallic implants [177][178][179] fluorapatite-based composites bone applications [180] bioactive glasses bone substitute and drug carrier [181] bioactive glass ceramics chemo hyperthermia [182] Biodegradable (bioresorbable)ceramics aluminium-calcium phosphate biomedical application [183] zinc-calcium phosphorous oxides postoperative tumour treatment [184] zinc-sulfate-calcium phosphates tissue engineering [185] ferric-calcium phosphorous oxides scaffolding for cell and drug delivery [186] coralline drugs [187] calcium aluminates bioactive dental materials [188] Bioinert (nonresorbable) ceramics alumina drug delivery [189] zirconia biomedical applications [190] carbons biomedical applications for tissue engineering [191] silicon nitride biomedical applications in medical implants [192]…”