In vitro and in vivo cytocompatibility of electrospun nanofiber scaffolds for tissue engineering applications

The use of polymeric-based nanofibers has gained more and more attention during the past decade in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields and as a result, nanotoxicology research is inevitable to satisfy the requirements of regulating agencies such as FDA as well as biosafety needs. Recent advances have witnessed the emergence of an increasing number of nanosized materials. While the number of potential applications related to the use of electrospun nanofibers continues to increase, studies to characterize their effects after exposure and to address their potential cytocompatibility are few in comparison. A comprehensive understanding of nano-bio and physico-chemical interactions is necessary from the early stage of nanomaterial conception to prevent pitfalls of materials failure at preclinical and clinical stages. This review presents a summary of both in vitro and in vivo cytocompatibility data currently available on synthetic and natural polymer-based electrospun nanofibers under investigation for tissue engineering applications. Cellular response dependence on cell type and nature of scaffold is also addressed.