polymeric nanofibers have been developed which are useful in a variety of medical and other applications , such as filtration devices , medical prostheses , scaffolds for tissue engineering , wound dressings , controlled drug delivery systems , cosmetic skin masks , and protective clothing . these can be formed of any of a variety of different polymers , both non - biodegradable or biodegradable , and derived from synthetic or natural sources . the present invention discloses 1 ) the composition of fibrous articles and 2 ) methods for using these articles in medical applications . the biodegradable fibrous articles , which are preferably formed by electrospinning polymer solution of biodegradable fiberizable material with or in conjunction with medicinal agents and bioactive materials , comprise a composite of nanofibers with actives . nanofibrous articles having specific medical uses include controlled drug delivery devices , glaucoma implants , tissue engineering , wound dressings , reinforcement grafts , corneal shields , and orbital blowout or sinus reconstructive materials . the methods include controlled drug delivery of a medicinal agent and providing treatment for inflammation , infection , trauma , glaucoma , and degenerative diseases . the drug delivery compositions and methods of this invention are directed towards improving the delivery of drugs to a target area of the body . these drug delivery compositions are nanofiber webs , mats , or whiskers which incorporate an active ingredient for delivery into a bodily fluid . the active ingredient is delivered in a controlled manner by placing the nanofiber web into the bodily fluid which allows the drug embedded in the nanofiber to be released in a controlled and longer lasting manner .