Recent advances in functionalized electrospun nanofibers for biomedical and therapeutic applications: A comprehensive review

Electrospun nanofibers (ESNFs) have become a major focus of modern research given their adaptable architecture, extensive interface, and distinctive physicochemical characteristics, making them appropriate for varied applications such as catalysis and environmental cleanup, drug delivery (DD), tissue engineering (TE), sensing, actuation, and various energy-related technologies. As a result, electrospinning (ES) has emerged as a versatile manufacturing technique, driving intensive efforts to engineer nanofibrous structures specifically for biomedical purposes. Functionalization of ESNFs can be achieved by embedding functional agents or altering surface chemistry to introduce specific functionalities. This review discusses the fabrication methods, optimization techniques, and broad biomedical applications of modified ESNFs, emphasizing their key properties, including biocompatibility, degradability, and safety profile. The article outlines various strategies for creating and modifying ESNFs, followed by a comprehensive analysis of their applications in tissue regeneration, DD, wound repair, antimicrobial therapy, cancer diagnostics and treatment, and biosensing. By critically evaluating recent advances, highlighting future directions, and addressing ongoing challenges about ES, this review underscores the transformative potential of functionalized ESNFs as efficient and adaptable biomaterials for biomedical technologies.