Surface Functionalization of Nanofibers: The Multifaceted Approach for Advanced Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Nanocarriers are gaining significant importance in the modern era of drug delivery. Nanofiber technology is one of the prime paradigms in nanotechnology for various biomedical and theranostic applications. Nanofibers obtained after successful electrospinning subjected to surface functionalized for drug delivery, biomedical, tissue engineering, biosensing, cell imaging and wound dressing application. Surface functionalization entirely changes physicochemical and biological properties of nanofibers. In physicochemical properties, wettability, melting point, glass transition temperature, and initial decomposition temperature significantly change offer several advantageous for nanofibers. Similarly, biological properties include cell adhesion, biocompatibility, and proliferation, also changes by functionalization of nanofibers. Various natural and synthetic materials polymers, metals, carbon materials, functional groups, proteins, and peptides, are currently used for surface modification of nanofibers. Various research studies across the globe demonstrated the usefulness of surface functionalized nanofibers in tissue engineering, wound healing, skin cancers, melanoma, and disease diagnosis. The delivery of drug through surface functionalized nanofibers results in improved permeation and bioavailability of drug which is important for better targeting of disease and therapeutic efficacy. This review provides a comprehensive insight about various techniques of surface functionalization of nanofibers along with its biomedical applications, toxicity assessment and global patent scenario.

Electrospun multi‐chamber core–shell nanofibers and their controlled release behaviors: A review

“…Numerous studies have been conducted to explore methods for enhancing the nanostructure of fibers through surface functionalization (Wang et al, 2021). Various techniques have been explored for fiber surface functionalization (Kulkarni et al, 2022). However, only several functionalization methods can generate a dense and uniform shell layer on the electrospun nanofiber surface, including electroless plating (Yu et al, 2023), in‐situ growth (Zhu et al, 2022), self‐assembly (Wang, Zhu, et al, 2022), electrochemical deposition (Gao et al, 2022), layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly (Wu et al, 2023), dopamine deposition (Song et al, 2023).…”

Emerging trends in membrane-based wastewater treatment: electrospun nanofibers and reticular porous adsorbents as key components

“…Calcium phosphate coatings have been achieved on various types of electrospun nanofibers, including poly( l -lactic acid), poly(-caprolactone), and poly(-caprolactone) (lactic- co -glycolic acid). 363 Apart from these examples, the use of CA is also evident in the literature owing to its hydrophilicity, environmental friendliness, biodegradability and easy processability. Additionally, CA is an ester of naturally occurring polysaccharide polymers.…”

Recent Advancements in Electrospun Chitin and Chitosan Nanofibers for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications

“…In chemical functionalization methods, the degradation of scaffolds functionalized by chemicals can release toxic allergens. Therefore, physical functionalization methods are preferred to avoid the induction of any harsh reactions in physiological conditions [183].…”