Polyurethane/silk fibroin-based electrospun membranes for wound healing and skin substitute applications
Iqra Zainab, Zohra Naseem, Syeda Rubab Batool, Muhammad Waqas, Ahsan Nazir, Muhammad Anwaar Nazeer
Abstract
The importance of electrospun membranes for biomedical applications has increased, especially when it comes to skin regeneration and wound healing. This review presents the production and applications of electrospun membranes based on polyurethane (PU) and silk fibroin (SF) and highlights their benefits as a skin substitute. This review also highlights the electrospinning technique used to prepare nanofibers for these biomedical applications. Silk, well-known for its excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, structural properties, and low immunogenic response, is extensively investigated by addressing its molecular structure, composition, and medical uses. PU is a candidate for potential biomedical applications because of its strength, flexibility, biocompatibility, cell-adhesive properties, and high resistance to biodegradation. PU combined with silk offers a number of enhanced properties. The study offers a comprehensive overview of the advanced developments and applications of PU/SF composites, highlighting their significant potential in wound healing. These composite membranes present promising advancements in wound healing and skin regeneration by combining the unique properties of silk and PU, opening up the possibilities for innovative treatments.