Nanofibrous-Composite Hydrogels for Modulating Stem Cell Behavior

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Background Hydrogels are widely used as extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimetic biomaterials, but most lack the nanofibrous hierarchy of the native extracellular matrix, which is essential for regulating human stem cells (hSCs) behavior. Nanofibrous-composite hydrogels address this limitation by incorporating fibrillar cues, either intrinsically formed, dispersed within the matrix, or applied at the surface, to better replicate the structural and mechanotopographical features of the stem cell niche. Summary This review systematically compares three nanofiber-hydrogel architectures: self-assembling nanofiber matrices, hydrogels with encapsulated electrospun fibers, and hydrogels surface-decorated with fibrous coatings. We examine how differences in fiber chemistry, stiffness, degradability, and spatial organization regulate key hSCs' behaviors, including adhesion, viability, morphology, proliferation, migration, differentiation, and secretion. Polymeric, natural, hybrid, magnetic, and bioactive nanoparticle reinforced fibers are each discussed to highlight how each configuration generates distinct biophysical and biochemical cues. By linking fabrication strategies to resulting cellular outcomes, this review outlines architecture-specific advantages and limitations that inform the rational design of next-generation ECM-mimetic scaffolds. Key messages Nanofibrous hydrogels bridge the g

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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