Functionalization of Electrospun Fibers and Hydrogel Integration: Tailoring Scaffolds for Tissue-Specific Regeneration

Electrospinning has emerged as a versatile technique for fabricating nanofibrous scaffolds for biomedical applications, as their structure perfectly biomimics the native extracellular matrix (ECM). Recent advances in biofunctionalization of electrospun fibers, such as coating with natural proteins, enable improved control of cell interaction. Furthermore, advanced spinning techniques, such as coaxial electrospinning, allow incorporation of active ingredients and their controlled release. Even specific requirements of distinct cell types, such as electrical stimulation of neurons in regenerating tissue, can be addressed by the fabrication of conductive scaffolds. Many more applications arise when moving beyond the usage of fibers as conventional two-dimensional scaffolds, toward three-dimensional constructs. The development of regenerative biomaterials by integrating electrospun fibers into hydrogels combines the attractiveness of the fibrous structures with the shape and size flexibility of hydrogels, resulting in a versatile tool for in vitro test systems and for tissue-specific regeneration. Thus, in this review, the functionalization options for electrospun fibers are discussed regarding their implementation methods and resulting cell biological impact. Furthermore, the integration of such fibers into hydrogels is addressed as a promising strategy to modulate electrospun biomaterials and examples are given for tissue-specific biomedical applications.