Nanofibers for Biomedical and Healthcare Applications

Macromol Biosci. 2019 Feb;19(2):e1800256. doi: 10.1002/mabi.201800256. Epub 2018 Nov 28.

Abstract

Unique features of nanofibers provide enormous potential in the field of biomedical and healthcare applications. Many studies have proven the extreme potential of nanofibers in front of current challenges in the medical and healthcare field. This review highlights the nanofiber technologies, unique properties, fabrication techniques (i.e., physical, chemical, and biological methods), and emerging applications in biomedical and healthcare fields. It summarizes the recent researches on nanofibers for drug delivery systems and controlled drug release, tissue-engineered scaffolds, dressings for wound healing, biosensors, biomedical devices, medical implants, skin care, as well as air, water, and blood purification systems. Attention is given to different types of fibers (e.g., mesoporous, hollow, core-shell nanofibers) fabricated from various materials and their potential biomedical applications.

Keywords: biomedical; biosensor; cosmetics; drug delivery; medical filtration; nanofiber; protective textiles; tissue engineering.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bandages
  • Biocompatible Materials / therapeutic use
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Humans
  • Nanofibers / chemistry
  • Nanofibers / therapeutic use*
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry*
  • Wound Healing / drug effects
  • Wound Healing / physiology

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials