High-Throughput Electrospinning System| Hierarchical assembly ofelectrospun nanofibers for thenext generation tissue repairingmaterials

Prof. Zhao Yong & Assoc. Prof. Wang Nü at Beihang University: Hierarchically Assembled Electrospun Fibers for Next-Generation Tissue Repair Materials

Introduction:
Mimicking the structure and function of natural tissue nanofibers to reproduce cellular microenvironments is an effective approach for designing tissue engineering scaffolds. However, most current tissue repair materials lack the hierarchical structural characteristics of natural tissues and rarely achieve complete regeneration or functional restoration of damaged tissues. Moreover, the in vivo microenvironment is inherently dynamic. Thus, constructing scaffolds with hierarchical structures that can simulate these dynamic changes remains challenging.

Recently, Prof. Zhao Yong and Assoc. Prof. Wang Nü’s team at Beihang University published a review in Sustainable Materials and Technologies titled "Hierarchical Assembly of Electrospun Nanofibers for the Next Generation Tissue Repairing Materials". Electrospinning is a versatile technique for fabricating nano/microscale fibers, widely used in biomedical scaffolds for tissue repair and regeneration due to its ability to mimic extracellular matrix (ECM) properties.This review elaborates on fiber scaffold design principles based on structural-to-functional biomimicry, emphasizing the critical role of multi-scale electrospun fibers in regulating cellular behavior and tissue formation. It also explores the efficacy and versatility of electrospun fiber scaffolds across various tissue types (e.g., vascular, neural, tendon, wound, skin, and cardiac tissues).

While summarizing progress, the authors highlight challenges in translating lab-scale research to clinical applications:

1. Scalability: Most electrospinning devices are limited to lab-scale production. Future efforts should focus on high-efficiency systems (e.g., multi-needle, array, or rotating needle setups) and integrated automation to ensure product consistency.

2. Biocompatibility: Residual organic solvents from electrospinning may cause cytotoxicity. Minimizing solvent use or optimizing evaporation techniques is essential.

3. Degradation control: Enzymatic degradation post-implantation must align precisely with tissue regeneration rates to maintain structural and functional integrity.