Electrospun nanofibers as postsurgical microenvironment modulators for functional tissue repair

Abstract

The postoperative microenvironment is a highly biologically dynamic environment that is associated with an increased risk of complications, including adhesions, fibrosis, infection, and delayed healing, which can cause significant inconvenience to patients. Conventional materials, such as cotton gauze and surgical sutures, primarily function as passive physical barriers, often lacking to address the multiple issues governing functional tissue repair. Electrospun nanofibers have been effective as dynamic regulators of the post-surgical microenvironment, facilitating simultaneous modulation of key biological events, such as immune modulation, macrophage phenotype switching, angiogenesis, collagen organization, and tissue regeneration, leading to faster and better healing. Overall, this review aims to provide a focused and mechanistic perspective on electrospun nanofibers as multifunctional, bioactive scaffolds capable of enabling functional tissue regeneration rather than merely serving as passive wound dressing and nominate it as a sustainable alternative for developing next-generation smart scaffolds intended for postsurgical healing.