Author:

Keywords:

Science & Technology, Physical Sciences, Technology, Chemistry, Multidisciplinary, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Materials Science, Multidisciplinary, Physics, Applied, Chemistry, Science & Technology - Other Topics, Materials Science, Physics, electrospun nanofibers, non-thermal plasma treatment, tissue engineering, INDUCED PHASE-SEPARATION, CORE-SHELL NANOFIBERS, PERIPHERAL-NERVE REGENERATION, PEPTIDE-AMPHIPHILE NANOFIBERS, DIELECTRIC-BARRIER DISCHARGES, IN-VITRO DEGRADATION, STEM-CELLS, ELECTROSPUN NANOFIBERS, SURFACE MODIFICATION, POLY(GLYCOLIC ACID), 0912 Materials Engineering, 1007 Nanotechnology, 4016 Materials engineering, 4018 Nanotechnology

Abstract:

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of nanofibrous structures for tissue engineering purposes and the role of non-thermal plasma technology (NTP) within this field. Special attention is first given to nanofiber fabrication strategies, including thermally-induced phase separation, molecular self-assembly, and electrospinning, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and potentials. The review then continues to discuss the biodegradable polyesters typically employed for nanofiber fabrication, while the primary focus lies on their applicability and limitations. From thereon, the reader is introduced to the concept of NTP and its application in plasma-assisted surface modification of nanofibrous scaffolds. The final part of the review discusses the available literature on NTP-modified nanofibers looking at the impact of plasma activation and polymerization treatments on nanofiber wettability, surface chemistry, cell adhesion/proliferation and protein grafting. As such, this review provides a complete introduction into NTP-modified nanofibers, while aiming to address the current unexplored potentials left within the field.