Electrospinning employs a strong electric field to draw charged polymer fluids or melts into fibers with diameter in the range from tens of nanometers to microns. The relatively simple experimental setup, a wide range of suitable materials, and the possibility of incorporating bioactive molecules into the fibers make electrospinning a versatile process in creating scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. This chapter reviews the electrospinning process and discusses how solution and processing parameters affect the electrospun fiber structure and function. A brief overview of various surface modification methods used for enhancing the cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation on the fibrous scaffolds is provided. Commonly used methods include physical entrapment, chemical treatment, and coelectrospinning. The application of electrospun fibrous scaffolds in tissue engineering is reviewed, focusing on recent progress in the regeneration of skin, vasculature, bone, ligaments, and tendons.
Part of the book: Electrospinning