Unfolding the electrospinning potential of biopolymers for preparation of nanofibers

Abstract Nanofibers have unique potentials in tissue engineering, medical devices, drug delivery, diagnostics etc. due to their exceptional properties like high porosity, large surface area to volume ratio, functionality flexibility, good mechanical strength etc. Nanofibers prepared by electrospinning has grabbed the attention of many recently due to the flexibility and tailoring properties of biopolymers. Various manufacturing variables that affect the morphology of nanofibers and other processing parameters have been discussed in this review article. Besides these parameters, different techniques used for incorporating the drug into nanofibers have also been emphasized. The focused material for electrospinning the nanofibers are the novel polymers and the co-polymers that enrich the electrospun process with their unique physicochemical properties. The recent surge towards biopolymers, such as alginates, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, kefiran, pullulan has attracted enough attention in the preparation of nanofibers due to their properties like modifiability, biodegradability, biocompatibility and biological activities. The other novel biopolymers that have been discussed include tree gum, wheat protein, soy protein, zein. This article provides an insight towards these novel biopolymers along with their application in drug delivery.