Polymers and formulation strategies of nanofibrous systems for drug delivery application and tissue engineering

During the last decade, the formulation of nanofibrous materials loaded with different drugs for biomedical applications has evoked considerable interest. The large specific surface area, the special micro- and macrostructure of fiber mats, the possibility for gradual release and site-specific local delivery of the active compounds lead to cytotoxicity decrease and enhancement of the therapeutic effect of drugs and implants. The present review details the different spinning techniques applied for the design of micro- and nanofibrous drug delivery systems. It furthermore deals with the use of various polymers that are capable for the formation of fiber scaffolds of various biomedical applications.