Wound dressing applications of electrospun nanofibers: mechanism, construction and recent progress

Wounds are prevalent health concerns, and their complex, dynamic healing process presents ongoing challenges in clinical practice. Wound dressings, which play an integral role in both acute and chronic wound management, are no longer limited to simple protection but are increasingly recognized for their active role in promoting healing. Among the most promising candidates in wound care is electrospun nanofiber dressing due to its ability to replicate the extracellular matrix, customizable structural features, and versatile functionality. This review highlights recent advances in electrospun nanofibers, focusing on their compositional modification and structural design, alongside their applications in wound healing. We begin by summarizing the key stages of wound healing, including cell migration, matrix remodeling, and angiogenesis, to underscore the biological processes driving repair. Following this, we briefly introduced the development history and basic principles of electrospinning. Then, we focused on summarizing recent progress in electrospun nanofiber dressing in drug delivery, biophysical stimulation for enhanced healing, and real-time wound monitoring. Finally, we address the challenges and future directions in the development of smart wound dressings, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize wound management practices.