Electrospun starch nanofibers: Recent advances, challenges, and strategies for potential pharmaceutical applications

Abstract

Electrospun starch nanofibers have high porosity, extremely high specific surface area, and biocompatible, biodegradable, and bioabsorbable properties. As a result, starch nanofibers have great potential in pharmaceutical applications, including drug delivery, wound dressing, and tissue engineering. Here, we summarize and review the recent developments in the synthesis of electrospun starch fibers from common starch, modified starch, and hybrids with other polymers. Moreover, the challenges and strategies for the fabrication and application of starch fibers in pharmaceutical applications are presented.

Keywords: Drug delivery; Electrospinning; Nanofibers; Starch; Tissue engineering; Wound dressing.