Structural and functional modification of electrospun nanofibers for wound healing

Effective wound repair relies on a balance of cellular and molecular processes, and conventional dressings often fall short in guiding this process beyond providing basic protection. In recent years, electrospun nanofibers have gained attention as advanced biomaterials as they offer nanoscale architectures resembling extracellular matrix networks and can be engineered to deliver therapeutic agents in a controlled manner. Yet, their native form is hindered by instability in moist environments, inadequate mechanical resilience, and uncontrolled release kinetics. To address these challenges, a spectrum of modifications has been introduced, ranging from structural adjustments such as fiber alignment, multilayered assemblies, and wettability tuning, to supramolecular mechanisms that exploit hydrogen bonding, electrostatic forces, van der Waals interactions, and hydrophilichydrophobic balance to stabilize proteins, modulate immune responses, and tailor drug release. Further, postfabrication methods including plasma activation, layer-by-layer coatings, UV crosslinking, and hybrid composites have been developed to integrate antimicrobial, antioxidant, angiogenic, and immunomodulatory functions into robust scaffolds. This review consolidates the most recent advances in the literature, emphasizing how these complementary strategies transform electrospun nanofibers into interactive platforms that not only protect but also actively regulate the wound microenvironment. By linking design strategies to biological outcomes, it provides a framework for the rational development of next-generation multifunctional electrospun fibers that accelerate and improve tissue healing.