Nanofibres: a promising approach in drug delivery systems

The mechanical strength, variable porosity, and high surface area-to-volume ratio of nanofibers have made them extremely desirable materials in the healthcare industry. Various fabrication techniques, such as electrospinning, sol-gel, laser ablation, and mechanical milling, enable scalable production with uniform fiber morphology. Based on composition, nanofibers are categorized as synthetic (e.g., polycaprolactone and polyvinyl alcohol) or natural (e.g., collagen and chitosan). Advanced drug loading strategies like surface modification, coaxial electrospinning, and immobilization allow for controlled and efficient drug delivery. Their biocompatibility and capability to imitate the extracellular matrix make them ideal for applications in wound healing, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and cancer therapy. Despite these advantages, challenges, including limited scalability, production inconsistencies, and high costs, hinder broader adoption. Quality characterization relies on techniques such as AFM, TEM, SEM, and FTIR. Future research is focused on sustainable synthesis, enhanced functionalization, and clinical translation through in vivo studies. Overcoming current limitations may unlock the complete potential of nanofibers in regenerative medicine, smart biomaterials, and environmental applications.