# Three-Dimensional Culture of Epithelial Cells on Electrospun Nanofibrous Scaffolds

## TL;DR

This review discusses how nanofibrous scaffolds can be used to create 3D culture systems for epithelial cells, mimicking natural tissue structures.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of how nanofibrous scaffolds can be tailored to support epithelial cell growth and function in 3D cultures.

## Key findings

- Nanofibrous scaffolds can be engineered to mimic the extracellular matrix and support epithelial cell functions.
- Scaffold properties like diameter, alignment, and chemistry influence cell attachment and growth.
- 3D culture systems incorporating multiple cell types can better replicate functional epithelial tissues.

## Abstract

Epithelial tissues form protective barriers throughout the body, covering external surfaces and lining internal cavities. Nanofibrous scaffolds have emerged as leading platforms in tissue engineering because of their ability to mimic the nanoscale fibrillar architecture of the native extracellular matrix. Thus, they support the optimal microstructure and cellular functions that facilitate the generation of epithelial tissues. This review focuses on the pivotal role of nanofibrous scaffolds in the development of physiologically relevant three-dimensional (3D) culture systems for various types of epithelial cells. Nanofiber proper ties, including diameter, alignment, and surface chemistry, can be tailored to modulate epithelial cell attachment and growth on scaffolds. Fabrication techniques and optimized scaffold properties for culturing epithelial cells from various epithelial tissues on nanofibrous scaffolds have been examined. The key 3D culture methodologies and coculture systems that incorporate fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells, which are essential for achieving functional differentiation into an epithelium, are elucidated. Finally, the current challenges in this field and potential future directions, including the integration of scaffolds into organ-on-a-chip systems, development of “smart” bioactive materials, and pursuit of personalized medicine through patient-derived cells, are discussed.