Molecular Self-Reassembled Regenerated Fibres and Their Significance in Tissue Engineering Bio-Composites

Review article, 2025

Highlights: What are the main findings? The significance of molecular re-assembled fibres in tissue engineering bio-composite development relies on different advantages such as the possibility to develop through a cost-effective production route, efficient biodegradability, improved liquid absorbance property, high chemical stability, etc. However, significant challenges persist in the successful application of regenerated fibres, which include difficulty in processing, production scale-up-related challenges, etc. What is the implication of the main finding? The present study highlights the important applications and limitations associated with the successful utilisation of molecularly reassembled regenerated fibres. Current work also provides important recommendations for future research, considering the expanding scope for developing innovative biomaterials in the field of tissue engineering. Due to their interesting physicochemical and bioactive properties, regenerated fibres (including cellulose and collagen regenerated fibres) have been considered attractive biomaterials for biomedical applications. These regenerated fibres have an altered molecular arrangement compared to the native fibres and exhibit unique properties. Despite their distinctive structural characteristics, a meagre amount of research explores their potential for the development of tissue-engineering bio-composites. This work focuses on exploring the promise of cellulose and collagen-based regenerated fibres in tissue-regeneration bio-composite development. Initially, the work investigates the similarities and dissimilarities between the collagen and cellulose structures, which are linked to their specific properties, such as crystallinity, chemical characteristics, and mechanical properties. It then delves deeper into their molecular structural reassembly and various aspects of the already reported bio-composites developed using them. Finally, their promise in the development of tissue-engineering bio-composites is explored through a meticulous comparative analysis of their advantages and challenges. It was found that efficient biodegradability is one of the key advantages of regenerated fibres, whereas difficulty in processing presents a significant disadvantage. Despite these facts, regenerated fibres can incorporate enhanced and desired properties into the bio-composite matrix, which could lead to tissue-specific bio-regenerative applications.