Advances in Electrospun Nanofibers for Biomedical Engineering

Electrospinning is one of the techniques used for nanofiber fabrication, enabling the precise production of ultrafine nanofibers ranging from nanometers to micrometers in size. Compared to other nanofiber fabrication methods, electrospinning offers advantages such as a simple process, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to utilize a wide range of materials, making it highly versatile. Electrospun nanofibers exhibit a high surface area-to-volume ratio, a highly porous structure, tunable alignment and surface properties, and a structure that naturally mimics the extracellular matrix. These properties enhance their compatibility with biological environments, making them highly effective for biomedical engineering applications. Furthermore, the incorporation of nanoparticles and crosslinking agents can further enhance their mechanical strength, flexibility, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial properties, leading to extensive research in biomedical engineering fields. This review discusses the principles of electrospinning and provides a comprehensive overview of recent studies on the biomedical engineering applications of electrospun nanofibers, focusing on tissue engineering, wound dressing, drug delivery, and biosensors, while also exploring potential future research directions.