Meniscal Tissue Repair with Nanofibers: Future Perspectives

Abstract

The knee menisci are critical to the long-term health of the knee joint. Because of the high incidence of injury and degeneration, replacing damaged or lost meniscal tissue is extremely clinically relevant. The multiscale architecture of the meniscus results in unique biomechanical properties. Nanofibrous scaffolds are extremely attractive to replicate the biochemical composition and ultrastructural features in engineered meniscus tissue. We review recent advances in electrospinning to generate nanofibrous scaffolds and the current state-of-the-art of electrospun materials for meniscal regeneration. We discuss the importance of cellular function for meniscal tissue engineering and the application of cells derived from multiple sources. We compare experimental models necessary for proof of concept and to support translation. Finally, we discuss future directions and potential for technological innovations.

Keywords::

• bioactive scaffolds
• core–shell nanofibers
• electrospun scaffolds
• meniscus
• nanofibers
• tissue engineering

Financial & competing interests disclosure

Funding for this project was provided by the Shaffer Family Foundation and by Donald and Darlene Shiley. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

Funding for this project was provided by the Shaffer Family Foundation and by Donald and Darlene Shiley. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.