Stimuli‐Responsive Core‐Shell Electrospun Nanofibers for Drug Delivery: A Mini‐Review

ABSTRACT Core‐shell nanofibers have the potential to surpass traditional monolithic electrospun nanofibers in drug delivery, due to their ability to encapsulate sensitive therapeutics within the core, protect them from degradation, and enable controlled release profiles through the shell. When designed to be stimuli‐responsive, these nanofibers evolve to “smart” drug delivery platforms for advanced therapeutic applications. This mini‐review examines recent advancements in the fabrication and applications of stimuli‐responsive core‐shell nanofibers. Key fabrication techniques, such as coaxial electrospinning, single‐nozzle electrospinning using water‐in‐oil or oil‐in‐water emulsions or using immiscible blends (e.g., polyethylene oxide and chitosan; polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyvinylidene), needleless electrospinning, and post‐fabrication coating methods, are discussed along with their respective advantages and limitations. Additionally, the review also explores how these nanofibers can be engineered to respond to stimuli like near‐infrared (NIR) light, ultrasound, temperature, and pH changes. Representative examples illustrate their ability to reduce initial burst release, enable on‐demand chemodrug delivery, and implement photothermal therapy against cancer cells. At the end, we offer perspectives on the challenges, opportunities, and new directions for future development.