Three-dimensional multilayered fibrous constructs for wound healing applications.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Electrospun materials offer light-weight, high surface-area, and low-cost scaffolds.
• Traditional 2D electrospun meshes lack topographical specificity and exhibit side-dependent properties.
• There is a need for 3D fibrous materials with controlled architecture and tailored surface functionalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize novel 3D fibrous materials with asymmetrical inner structures and engineered surfaces.
• To investigate the liquid absorption, mechanical properties, and surface characteristics of these 3D constructs.
• To evaluate the potential of these materials as advanced wound dressings promoting healing and ensuring painless removal.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of 3D fibrous materials with asymmetrical internal architecture using electrospinning.
• Characterization of topographical features, including microsized conical protrusions on the top surface.
• Application of spray layer-by-layer assembly for surface coating and functionalization.
• Assessment of mechanical strength, porosity, surface area, and liquid uptake properties.
• In vitro evaluation as wound dressings, assessing wound closure rates and cell adhesion.

Main Results:

• Successfully produced 3D fibrous materials with distinct asymmetrical structures: conical protrusions on the top and a non-woven mesh on the bottom.
• Constructs exhibited high porosity (89.9%) and surface area (1.44 m(2) g(-1)) while preventing external liquid absorption and promoting internal uptake.
• Coating via spray layer-by-layer assembly allowed tailoring of water vapor transmission, swelling ratio, and bioactive agent release.
• The 3D scaffolds demonstrated excellent mechanical integrity (11.0 ± 0.3 × 10(4) kg m(-2) after 14 days hydration) and significantly promoted wound healing (90 ± 0.5% closure in 48 hours).
• The material design facilitated painless removal by preventing cell adhesion.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D electrospun materials with asymmetrical structures represent a significant advancement over traditional 2D meshes.
• Engineered surfaces and internal architecture provide unique liquid management and mechanical properties suitable for demanding applications.
• These novel scaffolds show great promise as advanced wound dressings, actively promoting healing while ensuring patient comfort.
• The fabrication and functionalization methods offer a versatile platform for creating tailored biomaterials for regenerative medicine.