Frontiers in Bioinspired Polymer-Based Helical Nanofibers from Electrospinning

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Helical structures are significant in nature and emerging as advanced materials.
• Helical nanofibers offer unique properties for tissue engineering, biomedicine, and nanotechnology.
• Fabricating complex helical structures at the nanoscale remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and classify state-of-the-art electrospinning methods for helical nanofibers.
• To summarize recent applications of electrospun helical nanofibers.
• To identify current challenges and future perspectives in the field.

Main Methods:

• Classification of electrospun helical nanofibers based on four forming mechanisms: viscoelastic asymmetric contraction, bending instability motion, jet-induced buckling response, and rotary winding molding.
• Review of literature on fabrication techniques and applications.
• Analysis of challenges and future research directions.

Main Results:

• Electrospinning is a versatile technique for producing various helical nanofiber shapes.
• Four main categories of helical nanofiber formation mechanisms have been identified.
• Applications span environmental remediation, interactive textiles, and biomedical engineering.

Conclusions:

• Advancements in electrospinning enable the on-demand fabrication of biomimetic helical fibers.
• Helical nanofibers hold significant potential for diverse technological applications.
• Further research is needed to overcome fabrication challenges and enhance practical applications.