Biological characterization of nanofiber composites

Nanofibers, also known as solid fibers, consist of several remarkable nanoscale features. These are basically porous structures, with unlimited length, having a large surface area to mass ratio, essentially exhibiting high mechanical performance and flexibility as compared to other materials. Research in the arena of nanofiber composites has shown a considerable advancement since the turn of year 20^th century because of its consistent use in biomedical and biotechnological applications. Nanofiber composites fit in as a distinctive class of materials in the biomedical field since they offers a biomimetic environment on the nanometer scale wherein a three-dimensional architecture with the desired surface properties on the micrometer scale combines with mechanical strength and physiological acceptability on the macro scale. For any biological applications, nanofiber serves as an ideal biomaterial that possesses biocompatibility, biodegradability, nontoxicity, hydrophilicity and proper strength. Unambiguously, their ability to imitate the fibrillar elements of a natural extra cellular matrix in a most realistic way is central to their application.A better understanding of nanofibers' interaction with cells, especially understanding the cell's response to chemical and physical perturbations caused by nanofibers, and most importantly understanding their behavior in biological systems across time, will play a vital role in enhancing their potential. Thus the characterization in all aspects is of prime significance in improving the interaction properties of nanofibers with the environment. The characterization of nanofiber composites can be split inclusively on the basis of the crux material, its interactions, and applications. The nanofiber interactions in the biotic environment for biological applications will govern the properties.This book chapter reviews the surface characterization using microscopy (in vivo and in vitro), chemical characterization (using fluorescence imaging), cellular responses to the nanofiber composites (biocompatibility), and application based characterization, as some of the major highlights of the chapter.