Synthetic Enroutes to Engineer Electrospun Scaffolds for Stem Cells and Tissue Regeneration

Abstract

Nanotechnology for tissue engineering application focuses on the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) in cell patterning, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. This chapter discusses "electrospinning process" as a novel method for engineering scaffolds for stem cells and tissue regeneration. Scaffolds made of natural proteins and carbohydrate materials have poor mechanical properties, and in most cases, they cannot be applied for tissue engineering. Cross-linking is carried out by many researchers to maintain the structural integrity of the construct. To improve the stability of the natural protein or carbohydrate-based scaffolds and to reduce the biodegradation rate of the scaffolds, cross-linking becomes inevitable. The details of electrospun cross-linked polymeric scaffolds used for tissue regeneration are also provided in the chapter. © 2013 by The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.