Fabrication and application of nanofibrous scaffolds in tissue engineering.

Nanofibers fabricated by electrospinning are morphological mimics of fibrous components of the native extracellular matrix, making nanofibrous scaffolds ideal for three-dimensional cell culture and tissue engineering applications. Although electrospinning is not a conventional technique in cell biology, the experimental setup may be constructed in a relatively straightforward manner, and the procedure can be carried out by individuals with limited engineering experience. Here, we detail a protocol for electrospinning of nanofibers and provide relevant specific details concerning the optimization of fiber formation (Basic Protocol 1). The protocol also includes conditions required for preparing biodegradable polymer solutions for the fabrication of nonwoven and aligned nanofibrous scaffolds suitable for various cell/tissue applications. In addition, information on effective cell loading into nanofibrous scaffolds and cellular constructs grown in a bioreactor is provided (Basic Protocol 2). Instructions for building the electrospinning apparatus are also included (see the Support Protocol). Copyright 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.