title: Electrospun scaffold tailored for tissue-specific extracellular matrix.
abstract: The natural extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex structure that is built to meet the specific requirements of the tissue and organ. Primarily consisting of nanometer diameter fibrils, ECM may contain other vital substances such as proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycan and various minerals. Current research in tissue engineering involves trying to replicate the ECM such that it provides the environment for tissue regeneration. Electrospinning is a versatile process that results in nanofibers by applying a high voltage to electrically charge a liquid. A variety of polymers and other substances have been incorporated into the artificial nanofibrous scaffold. Surface modification and cross-linking of the nanofibers are some ways to improve the biocompatibility and stability of the scaffold. Electrospun scaffolds with oriented nanofibers and other assemblies can be constructed by modifying the electrospinning setup. Using electrospinning, researchers are able to specifically tailor the electrospun scaffold to meet the requirements of the tissue that they seek to regenerate. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that electrospun scaffolds hold great potential for tissue engineering applications.
authors.affiliation: Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Wee-Eong
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Teo
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: He
authors.forename: Seeram
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ramakrishna
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D003094:Collagen / Q000737:chemistry; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000494:pharmacology; D004867:Equipment Design; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D019737:Transplants
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D011108:Polymers; D003094:Collagen